Register

April 05, Lakeland, Fla. / Piper Clipper and RV-6A

At 1505 eastern time, a Piper PA-16 a Betts RV-6A collided in mid-air while on approach to runway 27R at Lakeland-Linder Regional Airport during Sun n Fun. The Piper pilot was seriously injured and the RV-6 pilot was killed. The local controller said the RV-6 was in front of the PA-16 on the downwind and on base. He saw the PA-16 overtaking the RV-6 and twice instructed the RV-6 to sidestep to runway 27 left, but the pilot did not respond to his instructions. He then told the PA-16 pilot to climb and he did not respond to the instructions....

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A mid-air collision occurred between a Piper PA-16 and a Betts RV-6A while on approach to runway 27R at Lakeland-Linder Regional Airport during Sun n Fun.
  • The pilot of the RV-6A was killed, and the Piper pilot sustained serious injuries.
  • The local controller observed the PA-16 overtaking the RV-6A and issued instructions to both aircraft (RV-6A to sidestep, PA-16 to climb), which were not acknowledged or followed.
See a mistake? Contact us.

At 1505 eastern time, a Piper PA-16 a Betts RV-6A collided in mid-air while on approach to runway 27R at Lakeland-Linder Regional Airport during Sun n Fun. The Piper pilot was seriously injured and the RV-6 pilot was killed. The local controller said the RV-6 was in front of the PA-16 on the downwind and on base. He saw the PA-16 overtaking the RV-6 and twice instructed the RV-6 to sidestep to runway 27 left, but the pilot did not respond to his instructions. He then told the PA-16 pilot to climb and he did not respond to the instructions.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE