Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-32R-301 near Ripon, WI — 2010-07-27

Final reportCEN10IA447
Sign in to save
Date
2010-07-27
Location
Ripon, WI, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-32R-301
Registration
N8159B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The inability of either pilot to see the other airplane due to the blind spot created by their respective airplane's wings.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot of the PA-11, a high-wing airplane, prior to entering the arrival route he performed a visual check to look for traffic in the area and then crossed Ripon, WI, at 90 knots and at an altitude of 1,800 feet. According to the pilot of the PA-32, a low-wing airplane, prior to entering the arrival route at Ripon he performed a visual check to look for traffic in the area, slowed to 90 knots, and descended to 1,800 feet. He increased his airspeed to between 95 and 100 knots upon hearing controllers advise pilots to keep their speed up. The pilot of the PA-11 observed the PA-32 come from above him, impact his propeller, and continue past him. Both airplanes landed without further incident. Examination of both airplanes revealed damage indicating a collision between the propeller blade of the PA-11 and the left main landing gear tire of the PA-32. No other damage was noted; an examination of the airframe and systems on both airplanes revealed no preexisting anomalies.

NTSB coding

  • Midair collision · Approach
  • Attention / Monitoring
View NTSB final report

Related mishaps