Background
The event involved two aircraft: N100VV and N222WL. N100VV had completed a landing on runway 31L. The crew requested and received clearance to turn off the runway to the right at midfield onto runway 22. The tower also advised caution for a Cherokee traveling from the opposite direction on that runway. N100VV then executed the turn onto runway 04/22 and cleared the Cherokee as instructed.
Sequence of Events
After clearing the Cherokee, the pilot of N100VV tried to contact the tower to inform them of the next intentions. However, the tower frequency was congested, so the pilot switched to ground control and broadcast "off 31L, going to Atlantic." This transmission ended just as N100VV entered the intersection where runway 22 meets runway 31R.
At approximately the same time, N222WL had been authorized for takeoff on runway 31R and had commenced its departure roll. When N222WL reached an airspeed of about 70 knots, its crew noticed N100VV crossing the active runway. The pilot of N222WL attempted to continue the takeoff and maneuver to avoid a collision, but the aircraft could not clear N100VV. N222WL then struck N100VV, crashed, and slid for approximately 400 feet before coming to a stop and subsequently catching fire. The three individuals aboard N222WL evacuated the aircraft without sustaining injuries.
Probable Cause
The official investigation identified two occurrences. The first occurrence was an in-flight collision with an object. Contributing factors included dusk lighting conditions, inadequate visual lookout by the pilot of the other aircraft (N100VV), the pilot's diverted attention, non-compliance with procedures or directives, and the object being an aircraft moving on the ground. The second occurrence was an in-flight collision with terrain or water, which took place during an uncontrolled descent.