Boeing E75 N1370V and Vans Aircraft Inc RV-12 N678AD accident near Williamson, Georgia

Probable cause

The inadequate visual lookout by the pilots of both airplanes, which resulted in a midair collision.

NTSB analysis

An amateur-built Vans RV-12 (RV-12) intended to land at the non-towered airport, while a Boeing E75 (Stearman), which was the lead airplane in a flight of three Stearmans planned to over-fly the airport at the traffic pattern altitude as part of a fly-in event being held at the airport. The pilot of the RV-12 overflew the airport at an altitude of about 600 feet above the traffic pattern altitude and entered a right downwind for runway 13. Both pilots stated that they communicated their respective positions and intentions over the airport's common traffic advisory frequency. In addition, they were attempting to visually acquire each other when the two airplanes collided. Both pilots were subsequently able to land their respective airplanes without further incident.

Examination of the airplanes revealed that the lower left side of the RV-12's fuselage just aft of the cowling, and the Stearman's rudder sustained substantial damage. The damage was consistent with the RV-12 flying on a northwest heading and Stearman flying on a northerly heading, at the time of the collision. Weather permitting, each pilot was required to maintain vigilance to see and avoid other aircraft. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA13LA054 for the full record.