What Happened
On Sunday 16 June 2019, at approximately 1112 hours, a Tecnam P2002 microlight (ZK-WAK) and a Cessna 185A light aircraft (ZK-CBY) collided while both were preparing to land at Masterton Aerodrome. ZK-WAK, with only the pilot aboard, was on a short local flight and on final approach to the sealed runway 06. ZK-CBY, engaged in parachute operations, had completed a drop and was turning onto final for the parallel grass runway 06L. The faster Cessna struck the Tecnam from the right and behind. Both aircraft were destroyed and both pilots sustained fatal injuries.
Why It Happened
The pilot of ZK-CBY was joining a non-standard right-hand circuit for runway 06L, as instructed. As the joining aircraft, he was required to give way to ZK-WAK but did not see it in time to avoid the collision. This non-standard join contravened Civil Aviation Rules but had become accepted practice at the aerodrome. The investigation noted that both aircraft approached simultaneously despite a chart prohibition on 'simultaneous operations,' though the term was undefined. Common factors with two prior mid-air collisions at unattended aerodromes were identified, including pilots not actively listening to radio calls and inadequate training for aerodrome managers. Recommendations were made to address non-compliance, clarify chart definitions, and improve pilot lookout and radio discipline.
Personnel Information
The pilot of ZK-CBY held a Commercial Pilot Licence and had 288 total flight hours, with 24 hours on the C185 type. He had recently obtained a parachute drop certificate and had flown 14.6 hours as pilot-in-command on parachute operations. Toxicology tests were negative for impairing substances. The pilot of ZK-WAK held a Microlight Pilot Certificate with 99 hours on the Tecnam P2002, all locally flown. No fatigue or health issues were identified for either pilot.
Aircraft Information
ZK-CBY was a Cessna 185A, a light aircraft used for parachute dropping. ZK-WAK was a Tecnam P2002, a two-seat microlight. Both aircraft were destroyed in the collision.