14) MID-AIR COLLISION, U-FIT

Nanchang CJ-6A | N313YK

September 22nd, 2024 | Watsonville, California

Accident Location

  • City: Watsonville
  • State: California
  • Latitude: 34.75
  • Longitude: -118.03333
  • Airport ID: KWVI

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N313YK
  • Make: Nanchang
  • Model: CJ-6A
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: No

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Adams, Ryder
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age: 62
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School:
  • Instructional Flight:
  • Pilot Certification: Private Pilot
  • IFR Rating: No
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: 3rd Class Medical
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: September 22nd, 2024
  • Time: 12:50 PM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Day
  • VMC / IMC: VMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Maneuvering
  • Total People Onboard: 1
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 0
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 1
  • NTSB No: WPR24FA309
  • NTSB Travel: Unknown
  • AQP Classification: 14) MID-AIR COLLISION, U-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the accident pilot maneuvered his aircraft into the other formation aircraft, and did not maintain a safe distance while in intentional formation flight.

NTSB: None

Recommendation

DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft participating in close formation flights completely brief the flight, and that standard minimum separation values be assigned, and that positive exchange of lead is clearly communicated and confirmed by radio for any lead changes while in flight. The DTSB recommends better formation briefings, more participant awareness, and more training for all formation flight operations.

NTSB: None

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.