Cessna 310C N310CD and Piper PA 28R-200 N9475N accident near Primm, Nevada

Probable cause

The inadequate visual lookout by the pilots of both airplanes, which resulted in a midair collision. Contributing to the accident was the pilots' failure to tune to, monitor, and communicate over the common traffic advisory frequency their relative positions while in the training area.

NTSB analysis

Both the multi-engine airplane and the single-engine airplane were maneuvering in the local practice area at 6,500 ft mean sea level. The flight instructor and private pilot receiving instruction on board the multi-engine airplane were performing an introductory/familiarization flight. The flight instructor reported that the airplane was on a northwesterly heading when he observed a small dot in front of him; he then saw an approaching airplane just before impact. He stated that the pilot receiving instruction, who was controlling the airplane at the time, made a slight nose-down input just before the collision. After assessing the damage as a jammed rudder, the flight instructor elected to proceed back to the departure airport, where he landed the airplane uneventfully.

The private pilot of the single-engine airplane stated that, while performing engine power checks on a southwesterly heading and while in a left turn, he heard a loud bang. He subsequently observed another airplane flying away from his position and then heard a radio transmission on the departure airport's tower frequency, advising that the pilot had been involved in a midair collision. The airplane then experienced a total loss of engine power, and the pilot subsequently performed an uneventful forced landing on a dry lake bed. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the right forward wing root area, which compromised the fuel system and resulted in the subsequent loss of engine power.

The practice area where the accident occurred was used widely for training flights, and pilots operating in the area typically monitored the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) of a nearby, non-tower-controlled airport. The pilots of both accident airplanes, however, were only monitoring the tower frequency of their departure airport. Had the pilots of both airplanes been more vigilant in scanning for potential traffic in the area while maneuvering, as well as monitoring and communicating their positions on the CTAF frequency, the midair collision would most likely have not occurred.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR16LA016 for the full record.