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 occurred between a Cessna 180K and a Beech 95-B55 near Tehachapi, resulting in one fatality (Cessna pilot) and minor injuries (Beech pilot).
- Witnesses reported both aircraft in level cruise flight, not altering course, while the Beech pilot stated he was in a cruise climb when he saw the Cessna's landing gear approaching.
- Following the collision, the pilot of the Beech successfully landed his damaged aircraft on a nearby dirt airstrip.
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