History of Flight
On September 25, 2016, at 0923 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 120 (N3580V) and a Piper PA-28-140 (N612FL) collided in midair while in cruise flight over North Collins, New York. Both aircraft were destroyed. The Cessna pilot was fatally injured; the Piper pilot and passenger were fatally injured. Both aircraft were operated by their respective private pilots under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed; no flight plans were filed. Both flights originated from Hamburg Airport (4G2), Hamburg, New York, with a planned destination of Saint Mary's Municipal Airport (OYM), Saint Mary's, Pennsylvania.
Witnesses at 4G2 reported that the accident aircraft were the first two of a flight of six traveling to OYM for breakfast. The Cessna departed first as it was slower; the Piper departed second. Two witnesses near the accident site observed one airplane climb into another, shearing its tail off, followed by both descending rapidly.
FAA radar data showed a primary target consistent with the first airplane departing runway 19 at 0917:59 and proceeding southeast. A target with transponder code 1200, consistent with the second airplane, departed the same runway at 0919:17 and proceeded in the same direction. The second airplane was behind and to the left of the first until collision. The last radar target for the second airplane was at 0923:22 about 6 miles southeast of 4G2 at 3,500 ft msl; it had been level at that altitude for about 50 seconds before the end of data. The first airplane was not equipped with a transponder.
Personnel Information
The Cessna pilot, aged 60, held a private pilot certificate with single-engine land rating. His most recent third-class medical was issued October 9, 2014, reporting 786 flight hours. His logbook indicated 828 total hours, with 4 hours in the preceding 30 days. His most recent flight review was May 14, 2015.
The Piper pilot, aged 69, held a private pilot certificate with single-engine land and instrument ratings. His most recent third-class medical was issued June 22, 2016, reporting 793 flight hours. His logbook was not recovered; a flight review endorsement from his insurance company showed the most recent review was September 16, 2016.
Aircraft Information
The Cessna 120 (serial number 14849, manufactured 1948) was a two-seat, high-wing, fixed tailwheel aircraft painted beige and blue, powered by a Continental C85 85-horsepower engine. The most recent annual inspection was July 1, 2016; the airframe had 4,322 total hours and the engine 217 hours since major overhaul.
The Piper PA-28-140 (serial number 28-7125491, manufactured 1971) was a four-seat, low-wing, fixed tricycle gear aircraft painted red and white, powered by a Lycoming O-320 160-horsepower engine. The most recent annual inspection was October 27, 2015; airframe and engine had 4,081 total hours.
Meteorological Information
Weather recorded at Chautauqua County Dunkirk Airport (DKK), 20 miles west of the accident site, at 0953 was: wind calm, visibility 10 miles, sky clear, temperature 14°C, dew point 9°C, altimeter 30.26 inches Hg.
Wreckage and Impact Information
Three wreckage sites were identified. The main wreckages of both aircraft were in fields near the last radar targets. The Cessna's empennage and an approximate 4-ft section of the Piper's left outboard wing were found in a cornfield about 0.3 mile west of the Cessna's main wreckage. The Cessna's empennage had four propeller cuts through its left side; the Piper's left wing section had black rubber transfer consistent with contact from the Cessna's landing gear tire. The Cessna's empennage also had red paint transfer from the Piper.
The Cessna's main wreckage showed leading edge wing crushing along its entire span. The cockpit was destroyed; two readable instruments were recovered. Aileron control continuity was confirmed; elevator and rudder continuity were confirmed from cockpit to rear cabin area, where cables had separated with broomstraw ends. The elevator trim tab was approximately neutral.
The Piper's main wreckage also showed leading edge wing crushing. The cockpit was destroyed; no instruments were recovered. Control continuity could not be verified due to impact damage.
Additional Information
After the accident, a group member stated that the group planned to have the fastest airplane depart first when flying together again, and discussed adding ADS-B to their aircraft.
Medical and Pathological Information
Autopsies performed by the Erie County Medical Examiner, Buffalo, New York, listed the cause of death for both pilots as "multiple blunt force injuries." Toxicological testing by the FAA Bioaeronautical Science Research Laboratory was negative for alcohol and drugs.