Cirrus Design Corp SR22 N551SG and Amateur-built VANS RV-8 N926DT accident near Hollister, California

Probable cause

The departing pilot’s failure to see and avoid the landing airplane during the takeoff, which resulted in a mid-air collision.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the Cirrus reported that he was conducting the RNAV GPS runway 31 approach in visual conditions. While crossing the threshold of the runway he saw what he thought was a wing and he heard a loud bang. The airplane nosed over and impacted the runway.

The pilot of the RV-8 reported that he taxied to the beginning of the runway, near the fire base [CAL FIRE hangars]. The pilot looked for traffic and did not see any. The pilot applied power, rotated and the airplane began to climb. When the airplane was about 50 to 100 ft above ground level, he saw something from below and on the right side, then experienced “the inflight collision.” The pilot then reduced power and landed on the remaining runway.

A video, from an airplane on a taxiway, captured the infight collision between the Cirrus and RV-8 airplanes. White flashing lights were in view near the runway that were consistent with runway end identifier lights (REIL) for runway 31. The Cirrus was descending to a point beyond the relocated threshold. The RV-8 was airborne prior to the relocated threshold and while climbing, struck the empennage of the Cirrus. The Cirrus rapidly descended to the runway, which substantially damaged the fuselage and empennage. The RV-8 landed on the runway.

Both pilots reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures, with their respective airplanes, that would have precluded normal operations.

According to 14 Code of Federal Regulations §91.113(g), “Landing. Aircraft, while on final approach to land or while landing, have the right-of-way over other aircraft in flight or operating on the surface…”

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA219 for the full record.