Accident Details
On December 16, 2017, about 1230 eastern standard time, a Cessna 182Q, registration N199RN, and a Piper J3C-65, registration N25786, collided in midair near Burlington-Alamance Regional Airport (BUY) in Burlington, North Carolina. Both flights were conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 as personal flights. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plans were filed for either flight. Both aircraft had departed BUY about 1220.
Pilot Reports
The Piper pilot reported that he had recently performed maintenance on the smoke generator system and installed a new fuel pump. Before the flight, he asked the Cessna pilot to fly alongside him to verify the smoke system operation. After departure, the Piper pilot flew on the right side of the Cessna, and both pilots acknowledged each other visually. The Piper pilot turned on the smoke system, and the Cessna pilot verified normal operation with a "thumbs up" signal. The Piper pilot then broke off to the right to leave the formation.
Subsequently, the Piper pilot elected to fly inverted to check the oil system and mixture control. After clearing for traffic and tightening his harness, he rolled inverted. The systems operated normally, so he rolled again to level the airplane upright. During the return to level flight, he heard a loud noise, and the airplane rolled to the right. He believed he had experienced aileron flutter. He was able to control the airplane and returned to BUY, landing without further incident. It was after landing that he realized he had collided with the Cessna.
The Cessna pilot reported that after checking the smoke system on the Piper and giving a thumbs up signal, he climbed and the Piper disappeared from view due to the high wing of the Cessna. Subsequently, while still in straight and level flight, he observed a flash of yellow at his 9 o'clock position, which was the Piper in a descent. He reported that the Piper struck his left wing. He was able to maintain airplane control and returned to BUY for landing.
Aircraft Damage
An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration examined both airplanes. The right wing and aileron of the Piper were structurally damaged, as was the outboard portion of the Cessna's left wing. Numerous paint transfer marks were noted on both airplanes. No other damage was observed.
Probable Cause
The investigation did not determine a probable cause.