Collision Details
The Cessna and Piper airplanes were destroyed when they impacted terrain following a mid-air collision. Both aircraft were flying beneath the positively controlled Class B airspace of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Both were operating under visual flight rules (VFR) and transmitting the 1200 VFR beacon code on their respective transponders. Neither airplane was required to be in radio contact with air traffic control.
Survivor Account
The student pilot in the Cessna, who survived the accident, reported that the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) allowed him to take the flight controls while flying straight and level. He stated he was looking straight ahead, attempting to maintain straight and level flight. The CFI then placed her hand on the throttle and began explaining a climb procedure. While she was doing so, the airplane was struck by another airplane on the right side. The student pilot reported that he never saw the other aircraft before impact and believed the CFI did not see it either. He noted that the CFI did not take control or make any violent maneuvers prior to impact.
Flight Path and Radar Data
Radar data indicated that the Cessna departed Downtown St. Paul Airport (STP) at approximately 1719, initially heading northwest, then turning right to an easterly heading paralleling Interstate Highway I-94 to the east. It climbed to about 2,300–2,400 feet pressure altitude around 4 minutes after takeoff and maintained that altitude until impact approximately 2 minutes later. The Cessna’s average ground speed during the final two minutes was about 98 knots.
The Piper departed South St. Paul Municipal Airport (SGS) at approximately 1719. About 4 minutes after takeoff, it turned to a northeast heading of about 027 degrees. In the two minutes before impact, the Piper climbed from about 1,900 feet to 2,300 feet pressure altitude. Its average ground speed during that period was approximately 107 knots. The relative bearing between the two aircraft was about 60 degrees.
Physical Evidence of Collision
Approximately 36 inches of the Cessna's outboard right wing structure was found lodged in the wing root of the Piper's left wing, located with the Piper's main wreckage. The Piper's left wing exhibited a span-wise crease about five feet long in the lower wing skins forward of the flap. The Cessna's right wing leading edge had two distinct dents spaced similarly to the Piper's wing tie-down ring and jack pad. The aft left side of the Piper's fuselage near the registration number showed black, rubber-like transfer marks. The right tire from the Cessna's main landing gear had white scuff marks on the right side.