Incident Overview
On an unspecified date, a Piper PA-28 (registration N55354) departed from Plymouth, Michigan, and was climbing from 1,300 feet mean sea level (msl) on a course of approximately 282° with a ground speed of 80 knots. Simultaneously, a Piper PA-60 (registration N8060J) was cruising at 2,100 feet msl on a flight from Detroit to Jackson, Michigan, on a course of about 258° with a ground speed of 165 knots. The two aircraft converged and collided at 2,100 feet msl, after which both aircraft plunged to the ground and crashed.
Flight Details
The PA-28 was conducting an instrument training flight with a rated private pilot and an instructor pilot (CFI) on board. The investigation did not reveal which seat the CFI was occupying. The PA-60 had a sole pilot on board, who was killed in the accident.
Radar and Wreckage Analysis
Radar data and examination of the wreckage indicated that the PA-60 had converged from the right rear of the PA-28. Conversely, the PA-28 converged on the PA-60 from its lower, left, forward area.
Communication and Assistance
No flight plan had been filed for either flight, nor was there any indication that either flight crew had obtained air traffic control (ATC) or radar assistance.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be inadequate visual lookout by the pilot of the PA-60. A factor related to the accident was that neither of the flight crews had obtained ATC or radar assistance.