Incident Overview
A float-equipped De Havilland DHC-2, operating on a tour flight, and a Cessna 206, operating on a personal flight, collided in midair over a lake. The collision occurred during day visual meteorological conditions. No radar or automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast data were available for either airplane.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses reported that the airplanes were flying directly toward each other before they collided at an altitude of about 700 to 800 ft above the water. Other witnesses stated that the Cessna was at a lower altitude and had initiated a climb before the collision.
Video Evidence
A review of 2 seconds of video captured as part of a witness’ “live” photo showed that both airplanes appeared to be in level flight before the collision.
Mechanical and Wreckage Examination
No evidence of any preexisting mechanical malfunction was observed with either airplane. Recovered wreckage and impact signatures were consistent with the upper fuselage of the Cessna colliding with the floats and the lower fuselage of the De Havilland. The impact angle could not be determined due to the lack of available evidence, including unrecovered wreckage.
Pilot Actions
The available evidence was consistent with both pilots’ failure to see and avoid the other airplane.