At 0805 Central time, the two airplanes collided in-flight. Both airplanes were able to land following the collision. The Cirrus SR22 sustained substantial damage to the upper cockpit fuselage structure; its commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. The Cessna 152 sustained minor damage to the right main landing gear; the CFI and student pilot were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed.
According to the Cirrus pilot, while approaching his destination at 3500 feet msl and with the autopilot engaged, the windshield imploded from an apparent impact with an external object. He had not received any alerts from the airplane’s traffic advisory system nor did he see another aircraft before the impact. He declared an emergency with ATC and landed without further incident.
The CFI stated the Cessna was climbing to 3500 feet on a southeasterly heading when they felt an impact and heard a loud bang. Shortly after the collision, his student saw another airplane in a rapid descent at their 10 o’clock position. The CFI entered a descending left turn to follow the other airplane. After the Cirrus landed, ATC stated the other airplane had tire marks on its roof and requested the Cessna make a low approach to verify the landing gear’s condition. The CFI verified the Cessna was missing its right main landing gear wheel, while the left landing gear and wheel appeared undamaged. After circling the airport to await emergency equipment, the Cessna made an uneventful landing.
