Accident Overview
Two aircraft, N5113S and N4346L, were conducting an aerial photo mission. N5113S served as the camera platform. Before takeoff, the pilots discussed procedures for the flight. Both aircraft departed and flew a course to position on a southerly heading.
Positioning and Sequence of Events
N5113S was to the east and slightly above and ahead of N4346L. The photographer on board had shot one roll of film and reloaded. He was preparing to resume shooting when N4346L began to close in on N5113S. The pilot of N5113S felt two "bumps" as N4346L approached but did not see the other aircraft pass underneath. After the contact, the pilot of N5113S maneuvered to assess controllability and observed N4346L spiraling toward the ground.
Damage and Findings
Examination of N4346L revealed that its vertical stabilizer and rudder had separated in flight. Investigators found numerous paint smears on the right side of N5113S. The pilot of N4346L, who was the sole occupant on board, was killed.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause identifies a midair collision during maneuvering, attributed to inadequate in-flight planning/decision by the pilot in command, misjudgment of altitude and distance, failure to maintain clearance, and overconfidence in personal ability. Subsequent separation of the vertical stabilizer and rudder led to an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.