History of Flight
On June 28, 2013, about 0948 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-22-135, N1540P, and a Piper PA-28R-200, N2108T, collided in midair while on final approach to landing at the Johnson Creek Airport (3U2), Yellow Pine, Idaho. Both airplanes were operated by the pilots under Part 91. The PA-22-135 originated from Flying B Ranch (12ID) about 0800, and the PA-28R-200 from Bountiful, Utah, about 0700. Witnesses observed the collision at an altitude of about 50 feet above ground level just before the threshold of Runway 17; both airplanes then descended into terrain.
The pilot of the PA-22-135 reported following a Cessna 170, performing an upwind entry and announcing positions on the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF). As he turned final, he heard someone transmit that "someone was too close" and began to abort the landing. The pilot of the PA-28R-200 reported approaching from the south, entering left base and final, then initiating a go-around due to traffic on the runway. He orbited south to Landmark Airport (0U0) for spacing, then re-entered the pattern on extended downwind, turning left base and final while announcing positions. He heard no broadcasts suggesting an airplane in front. Shortly thereafter, both airplanes collided; he did not see the other airplane.
Video evidence showed the PA-22-135 first appeared on left downwind for Runway 17. About 13 seconds later, the PA-28R-200 appeared at a higher altitude, also on left downwind. The PA-28R-200 remained higher throughout downwind and base, while the PA-22-135 stayed lower and closer to the runway. The PA-28R-200 descended on final, overtaking the PA-22-135, and collided near the approach end of Runway 17.
Personnel Information
The PA-22-135 pilot, age 39, held a private pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating. The pilot-rated passenger, age 54, held a commercial pilot certificate with multiple ratings. The PA-28R-200 pilot, age 48, held a private pilot certificate with a single-engine land rating and 341 total hours. His 20-month-old son was seated in the front right seat using a Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) device.
Aircraft Information
The PA-22-135, serial number 22-2404, was a four-seat, high-wing, fixed-gear airplane with a Lycoming O-320-A3A engine rated at 150 horsepower. The PA-28R-200, serial number 28R-7135053, was a four-seat, low-wing, retractable-gear airplane with a Lycoming IO-360 engine rated at 200 horsepower.
Meteorological Information
A review of recorded data from McCall Municipal Airport (MYL), 26 miles west of the accident site, at 0951 indicated wind calm, visibility 10 miles, clear sky, temperature 19°C, dew point 11°C, and altimeter 30.33 inches of mercury.
Communications
Recorded CTAF communications were obtained from a private individual who had landed minutes before the collision. The 5-minute, 5-second recording captured numerous aircraft transmissions.
Airport Information
Johnson Creek Airport is a non-towered airport located within a large canyon. Runway 17/35 is turf, 3,400 feet long and 150 feet wide. Recommended arrival procedures include reporting over Yellow Pine (from the north) or Wapiti Meadows (from the south) and entering a left-hand pattern for Runway 17.
Wreckage and Impact Information
Both airplanes came to rest within about 50 feet of each other, approximately 225 feet from the approach end of Runway 17 along the eastern edge. The debris path was about 410 feet long. Examination of the PA-22-135 revealed the radio was tuned to 122.90 MHz with the volume knob at the lowest setting; the transponder was off. The PA-28R-200 radio was damaged; the frequency and volume settings could not be determined.
Survival Factors
The PA-28R-200 front seats remained in position. The pilot's lap belt and shoulder harness were cut by rescue personnel. The forward right seat was equipped with a CARES device; first responders reported the shoulder straps appeared loose but the lap belt was tight. The CARES shoulder restraint webbing was cut by first responders.
Injuries
The PA-22-135 pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries. The PA-28R-200 pilot sustained serious injuries; the passenger sustained fatal injuries.