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NTSB Report
July 7, 1991 · Piper PA-28-180 · N8498W
Quincy, IL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 7, 1991
Injury Outcomes
5 injuries (4 fatalities, 1 minor injury)
Location
Quincy, IL
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180
Tail Number
N8498W
Operator
Raymond D Buehrle
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI91FA211
THE PILOTS OF FOUR AIRPLANES TOOK OFF IN CLOSE INTERVAL FOR A FORMATION CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT. THE LEAD AND SECOND AIRPLANES STEADIED AT CRUISE HEADING, ALTITUDE AND SPEED, WHILE THE THIRD AIRPLANE JOINED FROM BEHIND AND BELOW. AS IT CLOSED DISTANCE ON THE LEADER, THE THIRD AIRPLANE ARRIVED UNDER AND ROSE INTO LEAD'S RIGHT WING AND FUSELAGE.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT CONTROL AFTER COLLISION. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S ATTEMPT TO FLY FORMATION, AND INADEQUATE GROUP BRIEFING BY THE PILOT OF THE OTHER AIRPLANE, AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE.
Full Narrative
THE PILOTS OF FOUR AIRPLANES TOOK OFF IN CLOSE INTERVAL FOR A FORMATION CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT. THE LEAD AND SECOND AIRPLANES STEADIED AT CRUISE HEADING, ALTITUDE AND SPEED, WHILE THE THIRD AIRPLANE JOINED FROM BEHIND AND BELOW. AS IT CLOSED DISTANCE ON THE LEADER, THE THIRD AIRPLANE ARRIVED UNDER AND ROSE INTO LEAD'S RIGHT WING AND FUSELAGE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:20 CDT
Nearest AirportMuni. Baldwin Field (1nm S)
Runway22
Runway Length7097 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-180
Tail NumberN8498W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorRaymond D Buehrle
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A3A · Reciprocating · 180 | Lycoming · O-360-A3A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary5 injuries (4 fatalities, 1 minor injury)
Fatal4
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total5
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class
Crew 2Age 70 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 13 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time12:49
Weather SourceWFAC