What happened
At dusk, two aircraft were performing final approaches at the uncontrolled Statesboro Airport when they collided near the intersection of runway 05 and runway 14. The first aircraft, an American AA-1A with registration N9317L, was being operated by a student pilot. Simultaneously, a Cessna 414A, registration N47WD, was being flown by a commercial pilot on an approach to runway 14.
The collision occurred at the point where the two runways intersect, just as the aircraft were nearing touchdown. Ground observers noted that while the lights of the Cessna 414A were visible, the American AA-1A appeared to have no lights active during the approach.
Regarding radio communications, witnesses in nearby aircraft reported hearing the pilot of the N9317L announce his position and landing intentions within the traffic pattern. However, no communications were heard from the pilot of the N47WD on the local Unicom frequency. While the pilot of the Cessna 414A later stated he had broadcast his intention to land on runway 14 using frequency 123.0, this did not match the airport's published Unicom frequency of 122.8.
Findings
- The collision took place at the intersection of two runways during the approach phase of flight.
- There was a discrepancy in radio communications, as the pilot of the Cessna 414A was utilizing a frequency other than the established airport Unicom frequency.
- The use of an incorrect radio frequency prevented the pilot of the second aircraft from hearing the landing intentions of the first aircraft.
- Visual identification was hindered by the lack of visible lights on the American AA-1A during the approach.