Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona
Piper Aircraft; Chino Hills, California
CAE Global Academy; Mesa, Arizona
Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms
Location: Chandler, AZ
Accident Number: WPR13LA004A
Date & Time: 10/05/2012, 1407 MST
Registration: N8115Q
Aircraft: PIPER PA-28-161
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Midair collision
Injuries:2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional
Analysis
During instructional flights with a flight instructor and a student pilot on board each airplane, a Piper Warrior and a Piper Arrow collided in midair during day visual meteorological conditions. The instructors reported that their students were simulating instrument conditions and were wearing view-limiting devices as they practiced instrument maneuvers. Both flight instructors reported that they saw the other airplane only moments before the collision and were not aware of other aircraft in the area.
Neither airplane was using flight following services nor did they have any radar guidance during the flight. A review of recorded radar data for the area depicted two targets on a southwesterly heading, one ahead of the other. The targets were spaced about 2 miles apart and both were at 4,000 feet mean sea level. The rear target, the Arrow, changed its southwesterly heading to a westerly heading, and shortly after, the target identified as the Warrior started a wide right turn. Both airplanes were flying toward each other when the Warrior’s right wing and the Arrow’s left wing collided.
After the collision, both airplanes subsequently made uneventful landings.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The failure of both flight instructors to see and avoid the other airplane while providing instrument flight training, which resulted in a midair collision.
Findings
Personnel issues
Monitoring other aircraft - Instructor/check pilot (Cause)
Factual Information
On October 5, 2012, about 1407 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28-161, Warrior, N8115Q, and a Piper PA-28R-201, Arrow, N4184M, collided midair approximately 12 miles south of Chandler, Arizona. Both airplanes were being operated under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 as local instructional flights. The Warrior was owned and operated by Chandler Air Service Inc., and the Arrow was owned by Aircraft Guaranty Corp., and operated by CAE Oxford Aviation Academy. Both airplanes had a certified flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot on board. No injuries were reported from either airplane. The Warrior departed Chandler Municipal Airport (CHD), Chandler, Arizona about 1335. The Arrow departed Falcon Field Airport (FFZ), Mesa, Arizona about 1230. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for either airplane.
According to the flight instructor of the Arrow, he and the student pilot had just completed a non-directional beacon (NDB) interception exercise with the student wearing a view limiting device. Shortly after, the flight instructor noticed a very close, fast-moving blurred object approaching from almost directly ahead. The object seemed to be in a left turn and was lower than his airplane. After the impact, the airplane yawed left and wing down. The flight instructor took control and stabilized the airplane.
The flight instructor of the Warrior reported that he had given his student pilot a simulated instrument clearance. The student was wearing a view limiting device. The flight instructor then saw an airplane directly ahead and slightly higher in altitude. He further stated that the airplane appeared to be in a slight left turn. He took the controls and made an abrupt nose down left turn prior to impacting the other airplane.
After the midair collision, the Warrior landed at Gila River Memorial Airport (34AZ), in Chandler, Arizona, with substantial damage to the right wing. The Arrow landed on the Volkswagen Group of America test track in Maricopa, Arizona, with substantial damage to its left wing and horizontal stabilator.
The Warrior’s right wing separated about 3-1/2 feet from the wing tip along with an outboard section of the right aileron. The aileron balance weight was not found during the examination.
The Arrow’s left wing was damaged outboard and adjacent to the wing fuel tank. About 14 inches of the leading edge structure was crushed to the main spar, and a portion of the Warrior’s wing remained within the structure. The Warrior's right wing tip protruded from the top and the bottom of the Arrow’s wing. The leading edge of the left horizontal stabilizer sustained impact damage.
Recorded radar data from the FAA's Phoenix Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) ARTS IIIA radar system was obtained and reviewed. Neither airplane was on flight following or had any radar guidance during the accident flights. Between 1405:39 and 1406:20, two radar beacon targets proceeded on a southwesterly track, one ahead of the other, about 6 miles northeast of the University of Arizona Maricopa Ag Center Airport (3AZ2). The targets were spaced about 2 miles apart, and both indicated mode C reported altitudes of 4,000 feet mean sea level. At 1406:25 the rear target, the Arrow, changed to a westerly heading, and 40 seconds later the forward target, the Warrior, began a right turn into the path of the rear target. At 1407:06 both targets merged and then separated. One target, the Warrior, then departed to the northeast, and then changed heading to the north, disappearing near Gila River Memorial Airport (34AZ). The other target, the Arrow, departed to the southwest, and disappeared from radar 2 miles east of 3AZ2.
The Arrow was equipped with a Portable Collision Avoidance System (PCAS) unit capable of detecting and displaying range, bearing, and altitude information of transponder equipped aircraft in the vicinity of the unit. According to the flight instructor of the Arrow, the unit had alerted him twice during the flight but, did not alert him prior to the midair collision. The unit was sent to the National Transportation Safety Board Materials Laboratory for further examination. Its alert settings were set to a range of 3 nautical miles and a vertical range of 1,500 feet. The external speaker and headset interfaced audio tested properly, and no anomalies were noted with the unit. An examination report is contained in the public docket for this accident.
Neither pilot reported any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
History of Flight
Maneuvering
Midair collision (Defining event)
Flight Instructor Information
Certificate: Flight Instructor
Age: 53, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Seatbelt, Shoulder harness
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/26/2012
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 09/21/2011
Flight Time: 15986 hours (Total, all aircraft), 4700 hours (Total, this make and model), 15820 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 74 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 30 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
Student Pilot Information
Certificate: Private
Age: 25, Female
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Seatbelt, Shoulder harness
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/30/2009
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/02/2011
Flight Time: 179 hours (Total, all aircraft), 80 hours (Total, this make and model), 75 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 10 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Registration: N8115Q
Model/Series: PA-28-161
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate:
Serial Number: 28-8016121
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 08/29/2012, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection: 2027 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3931 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320 SERIES
Registered Owner: TRIUMPH AVIATION LLC
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: Chandler Air Service
Operating Certificate(s) Held:None
Operator Does Business As: Flight Training/Rental/Sales/Aerobatics/Tailwheel
Operator Designator Code:
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCHD, 1243 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 15 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1417 MST
Direction from Accident Site: 220°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 30 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Light and Variable /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: Variable
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.91 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 32°C / 3°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Chander, AZ (CHD)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Chander, AZ (CHD)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1330 MST
Type of Airspace: Class E
Airport Information
Airport: Chandler Municipal Airport (CHD)
Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation: 1243 ft
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used:
IFR Approach:
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing:
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 33.103056, -112.054167 (est)
Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms
http://registry.faa.gov/N4184M
Location: Chandler, AZ
Accident Number: WPR13LA004B
Date & Time: 10/05/2012, 1407 MST
Registration: N4184M
Aircraft: PIPER PA-28R-201
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Midair collision
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under:Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional
Analysis
During instructional flights with a flight instructor and a student pilot on board each airplane, a Piper Warrior and a Piper Arrow collided in midair during day visual meteorological conditions. The instructors reported that their students were simulating instrument conditions and were wearing view-limiting devices as they practiced instrument maneuvers. Both flight instructors reported that they saw the other airplane only moments before the collision and were not aware of other aircraft in the area.
Neither airplane was using flight following services nor did they have any radar guidance during the flight. A review of recorded radar data for the area depicted two targets on a southwesterly heading, one ahead of the other. The targets were spaced about 2 miles apart and both were at 4,000 feet mean sea level. The rear target, the Arrow, changed its southwesterly heading to a westerly heading, and shortly after, the target identified as the Warrior started a wide right turn. Both airplanes were flying toward each other when the Warrior’s right wing and the Arrow’s left wing collided.
After the collision, both airplanes subsequently made uneventful landings.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The failure of both flight instructors to see and avoid the other airplane while providing instrument flight training, which resulted in a midair collision.
Findings
Personnel issues
Monitoring other aircraft - Instructor/check pilot (Cause)
Factual Information
On October 5, 2012, about 1407 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28-161, Warrior, N8115Q, and a Piper PA-28R-201, Arrow, N4184M, collided midair approximately 12 miles south of Chandler, Arizona. Both airplanes were being operated under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 as local instructional flights. The Warrior was owned and operated by Chandler Air Service Inc., and the Arrow was owned by Aircraft Guaranty Corp., and operated by CAE Oxford Aviation Academy. Both airplanes had a certified flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot on board. No injuries were reported from either airplane. The Warrior departed Chandler Municipal Airport (CHD), Chandler, Arizona about 1335. The Arrow departed Falcon Field Airport (FFZ), Mesa, Arizona about 1230. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for either airplane.
According to the flight instructor of the Arrow, he and the student pilot had just completed a non-directional beacon (NDB) interception exercise with the student wearing a view limiting devise. Shortly after, the flight instructor noticed a very close, fast-moving blurred object approaching from almost directly ahead. The object seemed to be in a left turn and was lower than his airplane. After the impact, the airplane yawed left and wing down. The flight instructor took control and stabilized the airplane.
The flight instructor of the Warrior reported that he had given his student pilot a simulated instrument clearance. The student was wearing a view limiting device. The flight instructor then saw an airplane directly ahead and slightly higher in altitude. He further stated that the airplane appeared to be in a slight left turn. He took the controls and made an abrupt nose down left turn prior to impacting the other airplane.
After the midair collision, the Warrior landed at Gila River Memorial Airport (34AZ), in Chandler, Arizona, with substantial damage to the right wing. The Arrow landed on the Volkswagen Group of America test track in Maricopa, Arizona, with substantial damage to its left wing and horizontal stabilator.
The Warrior’s right wing separated about 3-1/2 feet from the wing tip along with an outboard section of the right aileron. The aileron balance weight was not found during the examination.
The Arrow’s left wing was damaged outboard and adjacent to the wing fuel tank. About 14 inches of the leading edge structure was crushed to the main spar, and a portion of the Warrior’s wing remained within the structure. The Warrior's right wing tip protruded from the top and the bottom of the Arrow’s wing. The leading edge of the left horizontal stabilizer sustained impact damage.
Recorded radar data from the FAA's Phoenix Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) ARTS IIIA radar system was obtained and reviewed. Neither airplane was on flight following or had any radar guidance during the accident flights. Between 1405:39 and 1406:20, two radar beacon targets proceeded on a southwesterly track, one ahead of the other, about 6 miles northeast of the University of Arizona Maricopa Ag Center Airport (3AZ2). The targets were spaced about 2 miles apart, and both indicated mode C reported altitudes of 4,000 feet mean sea level. At 1406:25 the rear target, the Arrow, changed to a westerly heading, and 40 seconds later the forward target, the Warrior, began a right turn into the path of the rear target. At 1407:06 both targets merged and then separated. One target, the Warrior, then departed to the northeast, and then changed heading to the north, disappearing near Gila River Memorial Airport (34AZ). The other target, the Arrow, departed to the southwest, and disappeared from radar 2 miles east of 3AZ2.
The Arrow was equipped with a Portable Collision Avoidance System (PCAS) unit capable of detecting and displaying range, bearing, and altitude information of transponder equipped aircraft in the vicinity of the unit. According to the flight instructor of the Arrow, the unit had alerted him twice during the flight but, did not alert him prior to the midair collision. The unit was sent to the National Transportation Safety Board Materials Laboratory for further examination. Its alert settings were set to a range of 3 nautical miles and a vertical range of 1,500 feet. The external speaker and headset interfaced audio tested properly, and no anomalies were noted with the unit. An examination report is contained in the public docket for this accident.
Neither pilot reported any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
History of Flight
Maneuvering
Midair collision (Defining event)
Flight Instructor Information
Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 63, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Glider
Restraint Used: Seatbelt, Shoulder harness
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Glider; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/22/2012
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 09/24/2012
Flight Time: 8524 hours (Total, all aircraft), 4201 hours (Total, this make and model), 8472 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 206 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 57 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
Student Pilot Information
Certificate: Student
Age: , Male
Airplane Rating(s):
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s):
Restraint Used: Seatbelt, Shoulder harness
Instrument Rating(s):
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s):
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification:
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 122 hours (Total, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Registration: N4184M
Model/Series: PA-28R-201
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built:No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 2844062
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 08/29/2012, Continuous Airworthiness
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection: 2144 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 10734 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: IO360 SER A&C
Registered Owner: AIRCRAFT GUARANTY HOLDINGS & TRUST LLC TRUSTEE
Rated Power: 200 hp
Operator: AIRCRAFT GUARANTY HOLDINGS & TRUST LLC TRUSTEE
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Does Business As: Flight School
Operator Designator Code:
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCHD, 1243 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 15 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1417 MST
Direction from Accident Site: 220°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 30 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Light and Variable /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: Variable
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.91 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 32°C / 3°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Mesa, AZ (FFZ)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Mesa, AZ (FFZ)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1230 MST
Type of Airspace: Class E Airport Information
Airport: Chandler Municipal Airport (CHD)
Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation: 1243 ft
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used:
IFR Approach:
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing:
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:N/A
Aircraft Fire:None
Ground Injuries:N/A
Aircraft Explosion:None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 33.103056, -112.054167 (est)
Location: Chandler, AZ
Accident Number: WPR13LA004B
Date & Time: 10/05/2012, 1407 MST
Registration: N4184M
Aircraft: PIPER PA-28R-201
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Midair collision
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under:Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional
Analysis
During instructional flights with a flight instructor and a student pilot on board each airplane, a Piper Warrior and a Piper Arrow collided in midair during day visual meteorological conditions. The instructors reported that their students were simulating instrument conditions and were wearing view-limiting devices as they practiced instrument maneuvers. Both flight instructors reported that they saw the other airplane only moments before the collision and were not aware of other aircraft in the area.
Neither airplane was using flight following services nor did they have any radar guidance during the flight. A review of recorded radar data for the area depicted two targets on a southwesterly heading, one ahead of the other. The targets were spaced about 2 miles apart and both were at 4,000 feet mean sea level. The rear target, the Arrow, changed its southwesterly heading to a westerly heading, and shortly after, the target identified as the Warrior started a wide right turn. Both airplanes were flying toward each other when the Warrior’s right wing and the Arrow’s left wing collided.
After the collision, both airplanes subsequently made uneventful landings.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The failure of both flight instructors to see and avoid the other airplane while providing instrument flight training, which resulted in a midair collision.
Findings
Personnel issues
Monitoring other aircraft - Instructor/check pilot (Cause)
Factual Information
On October 5, 2012, about 1407 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28-161, Warrior, N8115Q, and a Piper PA-28R-201, Arrow, N4184M, collided midair approximately 12 miles south of Chandler, Arizona. Both airplanes were being operated under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 as local instructional flights. The Warrior was owned and operated by Chandler Air Service Inc., and the Arrow was owned by Aircraft Guaranty Corp., and operated by CAE Oxford Aviation Academy. Both airplanes had a certified flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot on board. No injuries were reported from either airplane. The Warrior departed Chandler Municipal Airport (CHD), Chandler, Arizona about 1335. The Arrow departed Falcon Field Airport (FFZ), Mesa, Arizona about 1230. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for either airplane.
According to the flight instructor of the Arrow, he and the student pilot had just completed a non-directional beacon (NDB) interception exercise with the student wearing a view limiting devise. Shortly after, the flight instructor noticed a very close, fast-moving blurred object approaching from almost directly ahead. The object seemed to be in a left turn and was lower than his airplane. After the impact, the airplane yawed left and wing down. The flight instructor took control and stabilized the airplane.
The flight instructor of the Warrior reported that he had given his student pilot a simulated instrument clearance. The student was wearing a view limiting device. The flight instructor then saw an airplane directly ahead and slightly higher in altitude. He further stated that the airplane appeared to be in a slight left turn. He took the controls and made an abrupt nose down left turn prior to impacting the other airplane.
After the midair collision, the Warrior landed at Gila River Memorial Airport (34AZ), in Chandler, Arizona, with substantial damage to the right wing. The Arrow landed on the Volkswagen Group of America test track in Maricopa, Arizona, with substantial damage to its left wing and horizontal stabilator.
The Warrior’s right wing separated about 3-1/2 feet from the wing tip along with an outboard section of the right aileron. The aileron balance weight was not found during the examination.
The Arrow’s left wing was damaged outboard and adjacent to the wing fuel tank. About 14 inches of the leading edge structure was crushed to the main spar, and a portion of the Warrior’s wing remained within the structure. The Warrior's right wing tip protruded from the top and the bottom of the Arrow’s wing. The leading edge of the left horizontal stabilizer sustained impact damage.
Recorded radar data from the FAA's Phoenix Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) ARTS IIIA radar system was obtained and reviewed. Neither airplane was on flight following or had any radar guidance during the accident flights. Between 1405:39 and 1406:20, two radar beacon targets proceeded on a southwesterly track, one ahead of the other, about 6 miles northeast of the University of Arizona Maricopa Ag Center Airport (3AZ2). The targets were spaced about 2 miles apart, and both indicated mode C reported altitudes of 4,000 feet mean sea level. At 1406:25 the rear target, the Arrow, changed to a westerly heading, and 40 seconds later the forward target, the Warrior, began a right turn into the path of the rear target. At 1407:06 both targets merged and then separated. One target, the Warrior, then departed to the northeast, and then changed heading to the north, disappearing near Gila River Memorial Airport (34AZ). The other target, the Arrow, departed to the southwest, and disappeared from radar 2 miles east of 3AZ2.
The Arrow was equipped with a Portable Collision Avoidance System (PCAS) unit capable of detecting and displaying range, bearing, and altitude information of transponder equipped aircraft in the vicinity of the unit. According to the flight instructor of the Arrow, the unit had alerted him twice during the flight but, did not alert him prior to the midair collision. The unit was sent to the National Transportation Safety Board Materials Laboratory for further examination. Its alert settings were set to a range of 3 nautical miles and a vertical range of 1,500 feet. The external speaker and headset interfaced audio tested properly, and no anomalies were noted with the unit. An examination report is contained in the public docket for this accident.
Neither pilot reported any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
History of Flight
Maneuvering
Midair collision (Defining event)
Flight Instructor Information
Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 63, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Glider
Restraint Used: Seatbelt, Shoulder harness
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Glider; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/22/2012
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 09/24/2012
Flight Time: 8524 hours (Total, all aircraft), 4201 hours (Total, this make and model), 8472 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 206 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 57 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
Student Pilot Information
Certificate: Student
Age: , Male
Airplane Rating(s):
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s):
Restraint Used: Seatbelt, Shoulder harness
Instrument Rating(s):
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s):
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification:
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 122 hours (Total, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Registration: N4184M
Model/Series: PA-28R-201
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built:No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 2844062
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 08/29/2012, Continuous Airworthiness
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection: 2144 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 10734 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: IO360 SER A&C
Registered Owner: AIRCRAFT GUARANTY HOLDINGS & TRUST LLC TRUSTEE
Rated Power: 200 hp
Operator: AIRCRAFT GUARANTY HOLDINGS & TRUST LLC TRUSTEE
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Does Business As: Flight School
Operator Designator Code:
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCHD, 1243 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 15 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1417 MST
Direction from Accident Site: 220°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 30 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Light and Variable /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: Variable
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.91 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 32°C / 3°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Mesa, AZ (FFZ)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Mesa, AZ (FFZ)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1230 MST
Type of Airspace: Class E Airport Information
Airport: Chandler Municipal Airport (CHD)
Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation: 1243 ft
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used:
IFR Approach:
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing:
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:N/A
Aircraft Fire:None
Ground Injuries:N/A
Aircraft Explosion:None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 33.103056, -112.054167 (est)
NTSB Identification: WPR13LA004A
14 CFR Part 91: General AviationAccident occurred Friday, October 05, 2012 in Chandler, AZ
Aircraft: PIPER PA-28-161, registration: N8115Q
Injuries: 4 Uninjured.
NTSB Identification: WPR13LA004B
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Friday, October 05, 2012 in Chandler, AZ
Aircraft: PIPER PA-28R-201, registration: N4184M
Injuries: 4 Uninjured.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
On October 5, 2012, about 1415 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28-161, Warrior, N8115Q, and a Piper PA-28R-201, Arrow, N4184M, collided midair approximately 12 miles south of Chandler, Arizona. Both airplanes were being operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 as local instructional flights. Each airplane had a certified flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot. No injuries were reported from either airplane. The Warrior departed Chandler Municipal Airport (CHD), Chandler, Arizona about 1335. The Arrow departed Falcon Field Airport (FFZ), Mesa, Arizona about 1230. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight. No flight plan was filed for either airplane.
According to the CFI of the Arrow, he and the student pilot had just completed a non-directional beacon (NDB) interception exercise. Shortly after, the CFI noticed a very close, fast blurred object approaching from almost directly ahead. The object seemed to be in a left turn and was lower than his airplane.
The CFI of the Warrior reported that he had given his student pilot a simulated clearance. The CFI then saw an airplane directly ahead and slightly higher in altitude. He further stated that the airplane appeared to be in a slight left turn. He took the controls and made an abrupt nose down left turn prior to impacting the other airplane.
After the midair collision, the Warrior landed at the Gila River Memorial Airport in Chandler, Arizona, with substantial damage to the right wing. The Arrow landed on the test track at the Volkswagen Group of America in Maricopa, Arizona, with substantial damage to its left wing and horizontal stabilator.
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The pilot and passenger on board one of the planes both refused medical transport, Sheaffer said. No information was available about the pilots or people in the second aircraft. Ian Gregor, FAA communications manager for the Western-Pacific Region, said preliminary information indicates the pilot of a Piper Cherokee reported colliding in midair with another Cherokee around 2 p.m. approximately 12 miles southwest of Chandler Municipal Airport. One plane landed safely at the Gila River Memorial Airport, and the other landed safely at a vehicle-test track, he said.
“Both aircraft reportedly sustained significant damage,” Gregor said. The National Transportation Safety Board will be the lead investigative agency, working in conjunction with the FAA. Neither the FAA nor NTSB releases the identities of people involved in crashes, Gregor said. Sheaffer, of MFP, said a plane crash generally triggers the dispatch of two or three engines, at least one battalion, water tender and several trucks. In this case, a ladder from Chandler Fire Department Station 289, a brush truck from Goodyear, another brush truck from San Tan Valley were dispatched in addition to the standard complement of equipment from the Maricopa Fire Department. When the Maricopa Fire Department crews arrived on the scene, they canceled the other crews.
CHANDLER, Arizona — Authorities say two small planes clipped each other in mid-air over Arizona, but the pilots managed to safely land both aircrafts and there are no reported injuries. A Federal Aviation Administration spokesman says the pilot of a Piper PA28 landed safely at Gila River Memorial Airport after the collision around 2 p.m. Friday.
The FAA says the pilot identified the other aircraft as a Piper Cherokee and authorities reported that plane went down about 13 miles southeast of the Chandler Municipal Airport. But FAA spokesman Ian Gregor says the other aircraft landed safely at a vehicle test track. Gregor says there were no reported injuries to anyone aboard either plane. TV news footage showed one plane with part of its left wing sheared off.
CHANDLER, Arizona -- Authorities say two small planes collided in mid-air over Arizona, but the pilots managed to safely land both aircrafts and there are no reported injuries.A Federal Aviation Administration spokesman says the pilot of a Piper PA28 reported he landed safely at Gila River Memorial Airport after the collision around 2 p.m. Friday. The FAA says the pilot identified the other aircraft as a Piper Cherokee and authorities reported that plane went down about 13 miles southeast of the Chandler Municipal Airport. But FAA spokesman Ian Gregor says the other aircraft landed safely at a vehicle test track. Gregor says there were no reported injuries to anyone aboard either planenbs.
Very good!
ReplyDeleteWow, and we are worried about the wings coming off. Looksmlike they can take a good beating and still survive.
ReplyDeleteWhat Luck!
ReplyDeleteAll should buy a lottery ticket asap. The odds of an outcome such as this must be extremely rare indeed!
ReplyDeleteGood grief! They may be able to salvage some of the airframe, but the smell of s#!t in the cabin will never come out.
ReplyDeleteWho was watching Whom and what?
ReplyDelete