Accident Overview
On September 18, 2016, at approximately 09:09 local time, a Cessna 182 (registration HA-DIV) and a Piper PA-28-140 (registration HA-APZ) collided mid-air in the vicinity of the Gödöllő Arborétum, near Gödöllő, Hungary. Both aircraft were destroyed in the accident, and all four occupants on board the two aircraft lost their lives.
Aircraft and Crews
The Cessna 182, operated by AVIA-Rent Kft., was used for parachute drop operations. The Piper PA-28-140, also operated by AVIA-Rent Kft., was on a sightseeing flight. The pilot of the Piper was accompanied by two passengers.
Sequence of Events
A parachute target-jumping competition was held at Gödöllő airfield from September 16 to 18, 2016. On the morning of the accident, the Cessna 182 departed around 09:00 LT carrying parachutists. It climbed to 4,000 ft and proceeded within controlled airspace toward the designated drop zone (DZ). Around the same time, the Piper PA-28 took off from runway 13 at Gödöllő airfield for a sightseeing flight.
After the parachutists exited the Cessna, the aircraft turned onto the right traffic pattern long final for runway 31 and began its descent, reporting its position in controlled airspace. The air traffic controller requested a report when crossing 2,000 ft, the lower limit of controlled airspace. Meanwhile, the Piper had turned onto the left traffic pattern for runway 13. This resulted in the two aircraft flying on opposite headings on the traffic pattern. At 09:09:30 LT, the two aircraft collided head-on, their left wings striking each other.
Aftermath
The collision resulted in the destruction of both aircraft. The four occupants—the pilot and parachutists on the Cessna, and the pilot and two passengers on the Piper—were fatally injured.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that neither pilot detected the other aircraft before the collision with enough time to perform an evasive maneuver. This was identified as the direct cause of the accident. No safety recommendations were issued, as measures taken during the investigation were deemed sufficient.