At about 1415 Pacific time, a Cessna 180K and a Beech 95-B55 collided in flight about 6.5 nautical miles west of Tehachapi. The pilot in the Cessna was killed and the pilot of the Beech suffered minor injuries. Witnesses said the Beech was flying westbound and the Cessna was eastbound, with both in level cruising flight. They said it did not appear that either airplane altered course before the collision. The pilot of the Baron said he was in a cruise climb when he saw the Cessnas right lading gear approaching him. After the collision, he observed a dirt airstrip and landed.
January 16, Tehachapi, Calif. / Cessna 180 and Beech Baron
At about 1415 Pacific time, a Cessna 180K and a Beech 95-B55 collided in flight about 6.5 nautical miles west of Tehachapi. The pilot in the Cessna was killed and the pilot of the Beech suffered minor injuries. Witnesses said the Beech was flying westbound and the Cessna was eastbound, with both in level cruising flight. They said it did not appear that either airplane altered course before the collision. The pilot of the Baron said he was in a cruise climb when he saw the Cessnas right lading gear approaching him. After the collision, he observed a dirt airstrip and landed....
Key Takeaways:
- A mid-air collision between a Cessna 180K and a Beech 95-B55 occurred near Tehachapi, resulting in the death of the Cessna pilot and minor injuries to the Beech pilot.
- Witnesses stated both aircraft were in level cruise flight on opposing courses and did not appear to alter course before impact.
- The Beech pilot, in a cruise climb, observed the Cessna's landing gear approaching just prior to the collision and subsequently made a safe landing on a dirt airstrip.
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