What happened
Two aircraft departed from Wichita under instrument flight rules (IFR) while operating in visual flight rules (VFR) weather conditions. Both planes were traveling northwest toward their intended destinations. Approximately 20 minutes before the collision, the flight crews canceled their IFR flight plans. Air traffic control monitored both aircraft on radar and observed the planes performing maneuvers that appeared to be dogfighting back and forth immediately before the impact.
Physical evidence at the scene included brown paint transfer found on the underside of the right wing of the blue and white aircraft. A portion of this aircraft had separated from the main wreckage and was recovered 1.5 miles away from the primary crash site. Additionally, light-colored scuff marks were identified on the upper surface of the left engine nacelle of the brown and white aircraft. The collision resulted in two fatalities, as both pilots were killed in the accident.
Findings
Evidence suggests the pilots, who were colleagues and friends, frequently transitioned to VFR flight and flew in formation during favorable weather. Observations from associates indicated that the pilots often recorded their formation flights using video equipment. The investigation noted that the proximity of the aircraft during these maneuvers was difficult to discern from recorded footage due to the use of zoom lenses.