(Witness) Observed A Second Airplane Turn From A Close-In Left Base To Final As It Descended On Top Of The First Airplane On Final

Location: Tarkio, MO Accident Number: CEN25LA250
Date & Time: July 12, 2025, 08:30 Local Registration: N588AF (A1); N931KZ (A2)
Aircraft: Game Composites LLC GB1 Gamebird (A1); Vans RV-8 (A2) Injuries: 1 None (A1); 1 None (A2)
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal (A1); Part 91: General aviation - Personal (A2)

On July 12, 2025, about 0830 central daylight time, a Game Composites GB-1 Gamebird airplane, N588AF, was substantially damaged, and a Vans RV-8, N931KZ, sustained minor damage, when they were involved in an accident near the Gould Peterson Municipal Airport (K57), Tarkio, Missouri. Neither pilot was injured. Both airplanes were operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flights.

The airport was hosting the Wing Nuts Flying Circus event on the day of the accident. This included an air show, aircraft flybys, and static aircraft displays. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) was in effect on July 11th and July 12th from 1230 until 1430 each day in conjunction with the event. The TFR consisted of a 5 nm radius centered on K57 from the surface to 15,000 ft mean sea level. A temporary control tower was established at K57 for the event and was in operation at the time of the accident. The airport was normally a non-towered airport.

The pilot of N588AF was the lead in a formation of five airplanes. He reported reaching the base leg in the traffic pattern and was then cleared to land. The approach was without incident until another pilot in his formation instructed him to execute a go-around. He complied
immediately; however, that was not in time to prevent a collision with an airplane already on the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage when the rudder contacted the propeller of the airplane on the runway. The lower aft corner of the rudder was cutoff by the propeller.

The pilot of N931KZ reported that he had landed and was rolling out at the time of the accident. He heard an increase in noise and then a severe vibration as the other airplane passed overhead. The propeller of his airplane contacted the rudder of the other airplane.

A witness reported that he observed the events leading to the accident. He landed about 30 minutes prior and had parked his airplane in a grass area about halfway down the runway. From that vantage point, he observed an airplane on what appeared to be a straight-in final for runway 36. He then observed a second airplane turn from a close-in left base to final as it descended on top of the first airplane on final. He was unable to see if the airplanes continued or if they came into contact with each other. From his vantage point, it did not appear that either plane was in distress. 

FMI: www.ntsb.gov