Piper PA-28R-201 N4184M and Piper PA-28-161 N8115Q accident near Chandler, Arizona

Probable cause

The failure of both flight instructors to see and avoid the other airplane while providing instrument flight training, which resulted in a midair collision.

NTSB 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.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13LA004 for the full record.