Accident Overview
A Boeing B75N1 (Stearman) and a Cessna 172 collided in mid-air while both were on final approach for landing at a non-towered airport. The collision involved the top of the Cessna and the left wing of the Stearman. The Stearman aborted its landing and re-entered the traffic pattern, landing uneventfully after verifying structural integrity with another airborne pilot. The Cessna was forced to the ground and rolled to a stop alongside the runway.
Sequence of Events
The Stearman was practicing takeoffs and landings and was on its third circuit, already established on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern. The Cessna was returning to the airport. The Cessna pilot reported hearing the Stearman pilot radio that he was entering the traffic pattern. The Cessna pilot further reported that he entered the downwind but did not see the Stearman, nor did he hear any further radio calls from the Stearman.
The Stearman pilot reported that while on short final approach, he saw a right wing lifting up from below towards his left wing and attempted to arrest his airplane's descent; however, the Stearman collided with the top of the Cessna.
Witness Observations
Ground witnesses observed the Stearman on final approach, with the Cessna entering final approach below and behind the Stearman. On short final approach, the Cessna overtook the Stearman, and both airplanes collided. One air witness stated that he heard the Stearman pilot making position reports on all legs of the pattern during the approach and did not hear the Cessna pilot make any radio transmissions. Both pilots reported that the airport was very busy and that the radio frequency, shared by other local area airports, was congested.