Accident Overview
Two aircraft, a Cessna 172 and a Cessna 152, collided while approaching the same runway during a spot landing contest at an airport. Both aircraft were in descending, stabilized approaches when they collided about 1/4 mile from the runway. After the collision, they entered a slow descending spiral locked together and impacted a gravel pit.
Sequence of Events
According to the C-172 pilot, he departed first and observed the C-152 take off. Believing the C-152 was well behind, he continued in the left traffic pattern. He turned onto final approach at an altitude of 500 feet, approximately 1 mile from the runway. The C-152 pilot turned onto the base leg abeam the runway numbers, positioned "very close" to the runway, and then turned final at 200-300 feet AGL.
Both aircraft continued their approaches until the collision occurred approximately 1/4 mile from the runway. No further details about the impact or subsequent injuries were provided.
Communications
The C-152 pilot reported his position on the UNICOM frequency only once, while on the downwind leg. He did not check final approach for other aircraft before turning final, nor did he hear any other radio calls. The C-172 pilot announced his position on the downwind, base, and final legs. He reported hearing the C-152 pilot announce his position only once, on the downwind leg.
Right-of-Way Considerations
Under FAR 91.113(g), aircraft on final approach to land or while landing have the right-of-way over other aircraft in flight. The circumstances of the collision and application of this regulation were not specified in the source.
Conclusion
The collision occurred during a spot landing contest when both aircraft were on final approach. The C-152 pilot did not check final for other aircraft before turning final, and radio communications were limited. The source does not provide a probable cause determination.