The two airplanes collided at 1327 Mountain time shortly after the Piper released a Schweizer SGS 2-32 glider. Visual conditions prevailed. The commercial pilot aboard the Piper and the private pilot and passenger aboard the Cirrus were fatally injured. The commercial pilot and two passengers aboard the Schweizer were not injured. According to the Schweizers pilot, the Piper and the Schweizer were in a climb attitude, heading west. The Cirrus was heading south. The Schweizers pilot perceived the Cirrus collision course with the towline and released. The Cirrus impacted the Piper shortly thereafter. Although the Schweizer flew through a resulting fireball, it was not damaged and its pilot was able to return to its base. The Cirrus descended under its airframe parachute while on fire.
February 6, 2010, Boulder, Colo., Piper PA-25/Cirrus SR20
The two airplanes collided at 1327 Mountain time shortly after the Piper released a Schweizer SGS 2-32 glider. Visual conditions prevailed. The commercial pilot aboard the Piper and the private pilot and passenger aboard the Cirrus were fatally injured. The commercial pilot and two passengers aboard the Schweizer were not injured.
Key Takeaways:
- A mid-air collision occurred between a Piper tow plane and a Cirrus aircraft shortly after the Piper released a glider, resulting in four fatalities.
- The commercial pilot of the Piper and the private pilot and passenger of the Cirrus were fatally injured, while the glider's occupants were uninjured.
- The Cirrus was perceived to be on a collision course with the towline, prompting the glider's release, before impacting the Piper under visual conditions.
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