Departure and Flight Paths
A Learjet departed from an uncontrolled airport approximately two minutes before the accident. The aircraft was on a visual flight rules (VFR) climb and was not communicating with air traffic control. An Extra EA-300S departed under VFR from a controlled airport and, two minutes after departure, requested and received a frequency change from the control tower.
Radar Observations
Review of radar data revealed that the Extra climbed to 2,500 feet on a heading of 346 degrees before descending to 2,400 feet at 1141:25. The Learjet was first observed on radar at 1141:02, passing through 700 feet on a heading of 242 degrees while in a right crosswind departure. At 1141:16, the Learjet was at 1,400 feet with a heading of 269 degrees. At 1141:28, the Learjet was observed in a climbing left turn passing through 2,300 feet. At 1141:30, the Extra was at 2,400 feet in a right turn with a heading of 360 degrees. The last radar return for both aircraft occurred at 1141:30.
Collision and Aftermath
The two aircraft collided in midair. Following the collision, both aircraft struck residences and the ground. The official finding determined that the pilots of both airplanes failed to maintain a visual lookout while climbing and maneuvering, which resulted in the in-flight collision and subsequent collision with residences and terrain.