Accident Overview
On July 12, 2025, about 0830 central daylight time, a Game Composites GB-1 Gamebird, registration N588AF, and a Vans RV-8, registration N931KZ, were involved in a collision at Gould Peterson Municipal Airport (K57), Tarkio, Missouri. The GB-1 sustained substantial damage, while the RV-8 received minor damage. Neither pilot reported injuries. Both aircraft were operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as personal flights.
The airport was hosting the Wing Nuts Flying Circus event, which included an air show, aircraft flybys, and static displays. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) was in effect on July 11 and 12 from 1230 to 1430, covering a 5-nautical-mile radius from the airport surface to 15,000 feet mean sea level. A temporary control tower was established for the event and was operational at the time of the accident; the airport normally operates as a non-towered facility.
Sequence of Events
The pilot of N588AF was leading a formation of five aircraft. He reported reaching the base leg of the traffic pattern and subsequently received clearance to land. The approach was uneventful until another pilot in the formation instructed him to execute a go-around. He complied immediately, but the maneuver was not completed in time to avoid a collision with an aircraft that was already on the runway. The GB-1's rudder contacted the propeller of the RV-8, resulting in the lower aft corner of the rudder being severed.
The pilot of the RV-8 stated that he had landed and was rolling out when he heard an increase in engine noise followed by severe vibrations as the other aircraft passed overhead. The propeller of his aircraft contacted the rudder of the GB-1.
Witness Observations
A witness who had landed approximately 30 minutes prior parked his aircraft in a grassy area about halfway down the runway. From that position, he observed one aircraft on what appeared to be a straight-in final approach to runway 36. He then saw a second aircraft turn from a close-in left base to final, descending on top of the first aircraft. The witness could not determine whether the two aircraft made contact or continued their flight paths. He noted that neither aircraft appeared to be in distress.
Damage and Injuries
The GB-1 Gamebird (N588AF) incurred substantial damage to its rudder. The Vans RV-8 (N931KZ) sustained minor damage. No injuries were reported among either pilot.