History of Flight
On January 20, 2008, at 1534 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172N (N737EJ) and a Cessna 150M (N4008V) collided midair approximately 1.4 miles south-southwest of Corona Municipal Airport (AJO) in Corona, California. The collision occurred as the Cessna 172N was on a 45-degree entry leg into the left-hand traffic pattern for runway 25, while the Cessna 150M, which had taken off from runway 25 about 1532, was entering the downwind leg. Both aircraft were operated under Part 91, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plans were filed.
Witness Observations
Several witnesses within a half-mile radius reported observing the collision. One witness, located about half a mile southwest on a hillside at approximately 750 feet msl, stated she watched both airplanes for at least five seconds before impact. The northbound airplane (Cessna 172N) flew toward the airport while the eastbound airplane (Cessna 150M) approached from the south. Neither airplane changed course, rocked wings, or took evasive action. The witness described the collision as nearly perpendicular, with the northbound airplane striking the right side of the eastbound airplane near the fuselage midsection. She noted no smoke or fire trailing from either aircraft, and the engine sounds appeared normal.
Radar Data
Recorded radar data from FAA's Southern California Terminal Radar Approach Control (SOCAL) showed the flight paths of both aircraft. The Cessna 172N, about 8 miles east of AJO at 1529, was westbound at 2,400 feet, descending. By 1533:51, it had descended to 1,300 feet and turned right approximately 110 degrees onto the 45-degree entry leg for runway 25, tracking at about 106 knots ground speed on a 21-degree magnetic course. The collision occurred about 13 seconds later, at 1534:18. The Cessna 150M's track began at takeoff from runway 25 at approximately 1532:42. It turned left onto the crosswind leg, then onto the downwind leg, tracking on a 121-degree magnetic course at 74 knots ground speed. No altitude data was received from its transponder.
Wreckage and Impact
Both aircraft were fragmented and destroyed during uncontrolled descents. The Cessna 172N's main wreckage was found in a parking lot near a Nissan dealership, having struck two parked cars. The right wing outboard section was found near the Cessna 150M wreckage. The Cessna 150M's structure was separated into several sections; its engine and cockpit penetrated the roof of a commercial building. About half a dozen cars and one building roof were damaged. Evidence of fuel was present, but no fire occurred. Blue paint transfer on the Cessna 172N's left wing matched the Cessna 150M's right rudder, indicating contact.
Personnel Information
The Cessna 172N pilot, age 73, held a commercial certificate with approximately 4,190 total hours. The passenger held no FAA certificate. The Cessna 150M pilot, age 24, had received a private pilot certificate on November 25, 2007, and passed an instrument rating check ride on the accident day, with 141 total hours. The pilot-rated passenger, age 20, held a private pilot certificate with instrument rating and 193 hours.
Medical and Pathological Information
Autopsies determined the cause of death for the three pilots as multiple blunt impact/trauma. Toxicology tests found no ethanol or screened drugs.
Collision and Convergence Angles
Based on radar data and physical evidence, the collision angle was calculated at about 70 degrees from wreckage intrusion signatures and about 100 degrees from radar. Convergence angles were approximately 41 degrees for the Cessna 172N and 69 degrees for the Cessna 150M, as derived from paint transfer and scratch marks.