Introduction
On November 3, 2020, about 1753 central standard time, two Piper J3C-65 airplanes, N87715 and N6463H, were substantially damaged in a midair collision at Mid Valley Airport (TXW) in Weslaco, Texas. The student pilot flying N87715 was not injured, and the airline transport pilot flying N6463H sustained serious injuries. Both flights were operated as personal flights under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.
Sequence of Events Involving N87715
The pilot of N87715 reported that he was conducting a local flight in the traffic pattern for runway 14. During his third touch-and-go landing, he performed a normal wheel-landing, and the airplane touched down about 1,000 feet from the approach end of the runway. After the tailwheel contacted the runway, he advanced the throttle to takeoff power and the airplane accelerated to liftoff speed. The airplane became airborne about midfield and continued climbing over the runway. According to the pilot, the airplane's ground track drifted to the right (west) while his attention was diverted to the cockpit instruments. The airplane then collided with another airplane about 80 feet above the ground.
Sequence of Events Involving N6463H
The pilot of N6463H reported that he was operating in the airport traffic pattern for runway 14 alongside two other airplanes. After turning from base leg to final approach, he realized he was too close to the airplane ahead (N87715). He decided to go around and sidestepped to the right of runway 14 to increase separation. He maintained visual contact with the other airplane, which remained at his 9-to-10 o'clock position and slightly below his airplane. Shortly after he shifted his gaze to the right side to assess any impediments, the other airplane "made an apparent right turn" and collided with his aircraft.
Collision and Aftermath
Following the collision, both pilots were unable to maintain control of their airplanes. The two aircraft descended intermingled to the ground. The crash site was located in a grass area about 110 feet off the right side of runway 14.
Additional Details
Neither airplane was equipped with an electrical system or a handheld radio.