What happened
Two aircraft departed from Wichita under IFR flight plans during VFR weather conditions. Approximately 20 minutes before the collision, both crews cancelled their IFR flight plans. While traveling northwest toward their intended destinations, air traffic control observed the two planes on radar performing maneuvers that appeared to be dogfighting.
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 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 aircraft were flying in close proximity to one another prior to the impact. Reports indicated that the pilots, who were colleagues and friends, frequently operated in formation when weather permitted and often recorded their flights. The presence of paint transfer and scuff marks on the respective airframes confirms a mid-air contact between the two aircraft.