Incident Overview
On an undetermined date, a Piper PA-28R-180 (Arrow), registration N70SR, and an experimental amateur-built Charles WAR F4V (Corsair), registration N71723, were involved in a mid-air collision while approaching runway 20 at St Clair County Airport in Pell City, Alabama. The collision occurred before touchdown, and both aircraft remained under control and landed.
Witness Account
A CFII/MEI (Certified Flight Instructor Instrument/Multi-Engine Instructor) reported observing the events from the ground. The instructor had just departed the main ramp area and was taxiing to runway 20. He heard the Arrow pilot announce an inbound landing and later state that the aircraft was entering the downwind leg for runway 20. The CFII was following the homebuilt Corsair to the hold short line of runway 20.
After the Corsair took off, the CFII completed his runup. He then heard the Arrow pilot announce that the aircraft was entering a left base for runway 20. The CFII visually acquired the Arrow on base and heard it announce its turn to final. As the Arrow was established on final, the CFII noticed the Corsair low and turning final for the same runway. The Corsair was approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL) and positioned outside the treeline.
Collision Details
The right wing of the Corsair struck the left main landing gear of the Arrow at an altitude of about 100 feet AGL, within the treeline. Despite the collision, both aircraft remained controllable. The pilots successfully landed without further incident.
Aircraft Information
The Piper PA-28R-180 Arrow (N70SR) is a single-engine retractable-gear aircraft. The Corsair (N71723) is an experimental amateur-built replica of the F4U Corsair, constructed by Charles. The specific damage to each aircraft was not detailed in the source.