What happened
On July 5, 2020, at approximately 14:22 PDT, a Cessna TU206G, registration N6373U, and a De Havilland DHC-2 MK1 (L20A), registration N2106K, were involved in a midair collision near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The collision occurred over the water under visual meteorological conditions with a visibility of 10 statute miles.
The Cessna was operating as a private flight from Coeur d'Alene Airport toward Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport. The De Havilland was conducting a local 20-minute air tour originating from a seaplane base on the northern part of Lake Coeur d'Alene.
Witnesses observed the De Havilland flying on a northerly heading and the Cessna on a southerly heading. Both aircraft were estimated to be between 700 and 800 feet above the water surface at the time of impact. Some witnesses noted the Cessna was at a lower altitude and had begun a climb prior to the collision. Following the impact, a fireball was observed as both aircraft descended into the lake.
The accident resulted in 8 fatal injuries, including the pilot and passenger of the Cessna and the pilot and five passengers of the De Havilland.
The investigation
The wreckage of both aircraft was recovered from approximately 130 feet of water. Examination of the N6373U wreckage revealed mechanical impact damage, including a puncture in the left wing forward spar and blue paint transfer from the other aircraft. The fuselage showed significant damage, including a missing section between the instrument panel and the aft cargo door, and a cut in the cabin roof. The vertical stabilizer exhibited damage consistent with a propeller strike.
Investigation of the N2106K wreckage showed the cabin area was fractured into multiple pieces, with evidence of a flash fire. The fuel tank was punctured and deformed.
Investigators found no evidence of preexisting mechanical malfunctions in either aircraft that would have prevented normal operation. Analysis of available video footage showed both aircraft in level flight before the collision.