The two aircraft collided at about 9,500 ft MSL, 30 miles south of Cherry Point. After departing Nassau, the pilot of the BE-D55 never activated his flight plan. An ADIZ penetration time was therefore never established. When the unidentified aircraft entered Warning Area W-122, the USAF contacted FAA ATC for identification information. Since FAA was not controlling any traffic in that area, an intercept order was issued. At 1637, FAA received a position report from the BE-D55 and relayed it to military control. However, the two fighter aircraft continued to close in on the target for radar contact. The lead aircraft was too close, about 1,000 ft below the target, at a preplanned closure rate of 50 knots (actual rate was 127 knots). Seconds before the collision, the BE-D55 turned left as requested by FAA ATC, thus turning it into the path of the overtaking interceptor, which also had turned left to break off the intercept. The Safety Board did not determine the probable cause of this accident, but offered statements of cause.