Accident Overview
A midair collision occurred between a Cessna 172M and a Cessna 182S, resulting in substantial damage to both aircraft. Both airplanes were able to land without further incident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. Neither aircraft was receiving air traffic control services.
Pilot Accounts
The pilot of the Cessna 172M reported being in level flight at 2,500 feet mean sea level when he felt and heard a thump from the rear of the airplane. Following the collision, he observed the Cessna 182S above, to the left, and in front of his aircraft.
The pilot of the Cessna 182S stated that while rolling out from a steep turn, he saw the Cessna 172M at his 2 o'clock position, slightly low and very close. Shortly thereafter, his landing gear struck the vertical stabilizer of the Cessna 172M.
Flight Purposes and Pilot Qualifications
The pilot of the Cessna 182S indicated that the purpose of his flight was flight proficiency, with the intent to practice holding, procedure turns, and instrument approaches. He held an airplane instrument rating at the time of the accident. The pilot of the Cessna 172M did not hold an airplane instrument rating and was receiving instruction prior to the accident flight toward obtaining an instrument rating. Neither pilot had a safety pilot onboard during the accident flights.