Accident
A Cessna 182A airplane and an American Champion Aircraft 7GCBC airplane collided in midair at approximately 1,500 feet mean sea level (msl) during cruise flight. The collision occurred on converging paths: the Cessna was on a northwesterly heading, and the American Champion was on a southwesterly heading.
Pilot Reports
The pilot of the Cessna 182A reported that he was level at 1,500 feet msl on a northwesterly heading. He saw a blue and white high wing airplane crossing in front of his immediate position. He pitched the airplane upward just prior to colliding with the other airplane. After the collision, he determined that his airplane was still controllable and was able to continue flight and land at the airport he originated from. He stated that prior to the collision, he was monitoring both the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency and the tower frequency from another nearby controlled airport, and was also conducting a visual scan of the area with the intention of switching to the tower frequency for his destination airport to monitor local area traffic.
The pilot of the American Champion Aircraft 7GCBC reported that he was in level cruise flight at an altitude of 1,500 feet msl on a southwesterly heading towards his destination airport. He heard a loud bang followed by a sudden loss of directional control. The airplane remained flying but was in a 15-degree descending left bank despite opposite control inputs. The pilot initiated a forced landing into the waters of a bay. Both the pilot and passenger exited the airplane as it started to sink. Prior to the airplane sinking, the pilot noticed that the vertical stabilizer was missing. He added that prior to the collision, he had established contact with the tower controller at his destination airport.
Radar Data
Review of radar data revealed that the Cessna 182A was on a northwesterly heading and the American Champion Aircraft 7GCBC on a southwesterly heading on converging paths.
Relevant Guidance
The Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Section 7-5-2 – VFR in Congested Areas, recommends that when operating VFR in congested areas, "extra vigilance be maintained."