What happened
On the day of the accident, a Cessna 207A, registered N800GA, was en route to its company base. While flying approximately two miles north of an uncontrolled airstrip, the pilot was navigating a route that passed near the facility. At the same time, a Short SC7, registered N451SA, departed from the same airstrip, broadcasting its departure on the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF).
Following takeoff, the pilot of the Short SC7 initiated a climbing right turn, directing the aircraft toward the same destination as the Cessna 207A. The two aircraft collided in mid-air at an altitude of roughly 800 feet. Witnesses observed both planes spiraling toward the ground. The wreckage of both aircraft was located on a frozen lake, approximately 1.49 nautical miles east-northeast of the airstrip. The two planes were found entangled, with the burned remains of the Cessna 207A resting on top of the wreckage of the Short SC7.
Findings
- The collision occurred during the climbing phase of the Short SC7's flight.
- The accident took place in the vicinity of an uncontrolled airport lacking a control tower.
- The aircraft paths intersected during a climbing turn.