Night Collision with Tethered Aerostat Radar System Near Key West (N422G)

Flight Details and Initial Contact The flight departed Key West, Florida, for Leesburg, Florida, under night visual meteorological conditions. The aircraft took off from Key West International Airport on runway 27 and turned to an easterly heading. As the pilot established radio contact with air traffic control (ATC), the airplane entered restricted area R-2916 without clearance. A Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) was on station in that area. ## ATC Communications and Restricted Area ATC attempted to inform the pilot that R-2916 was active. At the time of the accident, the airplane had been in radio communications contact with the Federal Aviation Administration Miami Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). According to an official at the Miami ARTCC, the pilot had been informed of the restricted area at Cudjoe Key. ## Collision and Aftermath The airplane collided with the aerostat tether at 4,533 feet. A video record from a camera mounted on the TARS flight control building showed the aerostat's position lights operating. At 2312:55, the video showed the position lights of the accident airplane as it approached the tether. The record showed the airplane striking the tether, entering a spin, and descending uncontrolled. Witnesses reported that the airplane collided with the tether, a wing separated, and the airplane tumbled into the water. ## Investigation Findings According to information obtained from Naval Air Station Key West, the accident airplane was last seen on radar as it merged with the aerostat. According to the flight director's log, the log entry directly preceding the accident showed no irregularities. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure.