Accident Sequence
On the day of the accident, two airplanes, a high-wing Cessna and a low-wing Beech, collided in midair about two miles north of a non-tower controlled general aviation airport. Both airplanes had departed from the same airport. According to radar data from a nearby air traffic control approach facility, the Beech departed first. The pilot of the Beech requested VFR flight following from air traffic control, but the air traffic control specialist declined to provide the service due to workload. Radar data showed that the Beech maneuvered north of the airport at altitudes between 2,600 and 2,900 feet mean sea level. Subsequently, the Beech began a descent and a return to the airport. As the Beech approached the airport, the Cessna began its departure and climb.
Witness Observations
A witness observed both airplanes approaching each other when they were about half a mile apart. The witness stated that they were on an apparent collision course, but not directly head-on. The witness watched as both airplanes closed their relative distance and then saw both airplanes roll towards each other. The airplanes clipped each other's wing and then immediately descended to impact.
Postaccident Inspection
Following the accident, an inspection of both airplanes revealed no preaccident mechanical issues. The engines and airframes were examined and found to be functional prior to the collision.
Environmental and Communication Factors
The sky was clear at the time of the accident. Both pilots were communicating on the local airport Unicom frequency, which is a voluntary traffic advisory frequency used for pilot-to-pilot communication.
Regulatory Information
Federal aviation regulations state that each pilot has the responsibility to see and avoid other aircraft. This regulation applies to all pilots operating under visual flight rules.