Accident Overview
A Mitsubishi MU-2, registration N106MA, and a Cessna 310 (registration not reported) collided in flight during an attempted night formation flight. Neither pilot had formal training in formation flying nor experience in night formation operations. The two aircraft joined up in flight with the MU-2 flying on the wing of the Cessna 310.
Flight Events
The MU-2 pilot communicated an intention to change position from the right side to the left side of the Cessna 310. The Cessna 310 pilot and his passenger lost sight of the MU-2 when it dropped back to a position behind the Cessna. Shortly after losing sight, the two aircraft collided. The impact tore the right horizontal stabilizer from the Cessna 310 and damaged its empennage, right wing, and propellers. The Cessna 310 was landed without injury to its occupants.
Aircraft Damage and Casualties
The MU-2 went out of control after the collision and crashed. The sole pilot on board the MU-2 was killed. The Cessna 310 sustained structural damage but was successfully landed.
Contributing Factors
Investigation revealed that the tail light of the Cessna 310 was inoperative. The accident occurred during darkness, with no navigation light on the tail of the Cessna. Both pilots lacked training in the type of operation.
Probable Cause
Official findings determined the probable cause to be improper planning and decision-making by the pilots of both aircraft, and the Mitsubishi pilot's misjudgment of his position while attempting to fly formation at night with an aircraft that did not have all navigation lights operative. Factors related to the accident were: both pilots' lack of training in the type of operation, darkness, inoperative navigation (tail) light on the Cessna 310, and the lack of visual perception available to the Mitsubishi pilot.