Incident Overview
On November 1, 2008, about 0935 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-32-260 (Cherokee Six), registration N3568W, and a Piper PA-28-236 (Dakota), registration N2139N, collided in mid-air approximately 5 nautical miles north of Plymouth Municipal Airport (PMZ), Plymouth, North Carolina. Both aircraft sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot aboard the Cherokee and the certificated private pilot aboard the Dakota incurred minor injuries. Neither pilot had filed a flight plan, and both airplanes were operating in visual meteorological conditions. The Cherokee had departed Plymouth on a local flight, while the Dakota had departed Warren Field (OCW) in Washington, North Carolina, with Plymouth as its destination. The personal flights were conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot Accounts
The Cherokee pilot stated he was practicing the global positioning system (GPS) runway 21 wide area augmentation system (WAAS) approach using the autopilot. He proceeded to BERTI intersection and, 10 miles from the airport, announced his position on the airport common traffic advisory frequency. At 7 miles, he heard a pilot back-taxiing on runway 21 announce his intention to depart to the southeast. The Cherokee pilot restated his position and advised that he should not be a factor. He then descended to maintain 1,600 feet until reaching the final approach fix, ZUHAX intersection. The autopilot intercepted the glideslope, and the airplane began to descend. The Cherokee pilot made another call to ensure the runway was clear, and "almost instantly," a loud bang occurred on the right side. The windshield and part of the cabin roof separated, and the airplane entered a right spin, "going straight down." He recovered about 150 feet above a river, pulled the yoke back, and landed in the river. After landing, he donned his life preserver and exited onto the left wing. The airplane sank, and the pilot was rescued by two fishermen. The Cherokee pilot noted he was initially unaware of another airplane and never heard the other pilot or saw the other aircraft.
The Dakota pilot reported he was inbound to Plymouth and navigating by GPS. About 7 miles from the airport at 2,000 feet, he announced his position. Another pilot responded that he was performing an engine run-up on runway 21. The Dakota pilot advised the ground pilot that his airplane would not be a problem and that he was 4 miles from the airport. Shortly after, he heard a "Bamm," and the airplane began to descend. He made an emergency radio call and applied maximum power, but the airplane descended into a tree, spun around, and came to rest inverted in another tree about 8 feet off the ground. The Dakota pilot also stated he initially thought he had hit a bird.
Witness Observations
A witness on the ground reported that it appeared the airplane that landed in the tree was "chasing" the other. He remarked to his brother that they would collide, which they did. After the collision, one airplane veered left and the other veered right.
A third pilot, who was back-taxiing on runway 21 at Plymouth, heard a pilot report his approach. After the third pilot stated his intentions, the airborne pilot advised that the third pilot's airplane would not be a factor. Upon further recollection, the third pilot thought he may have heard two inbound calls, but was unsure, and both were made from a distance. After departing Plymouth, he heard another pilot report hitting a bird.
Pilot Information
The Cherokee pilot, aged 68, held a private pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane ratings. He reported 1,050 hours of total flight time, and his latest FAA third class medical certificate was issued in December 2007. The Dakota pilot, aged 71, held a private pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land, airplane multiengine land, and instrument airplane ratings. He reported 1,049 hours of total flight time, and his latest FAA third class medical certificate was issued in November 2007.
Aircraft Damage
Photographs of the Cherokee being recovered from the river showed impact marks and missing cabin roof skin, beginning near the right-side cabin door.
Weather Conditions
Weather recorded at an airport 14 nautical miles to the northeast at 1142 included clear skies and visibility of 10 statute miles.
Regulatory Reference
Federal Aviation Regulation Part 91.109(b) states that no person may operate a civil aircraft in simulated instrument flight unless the other control seat is occupied by a safety pilot with appropriate ratings. However, the source does not indicate that either pilot was simulating instrument flight.