20241209020492A

NTSB accident no.: ERA25LA072B atqa: A-SO-19-25-011 sas ptrs no.: SO19202501498 task id:T-SO19-FY25-0294 registration: nxxxx make: Cessna model: 172 serial number: xxxxxx when: December 9, 2024 where: Palm Beach County Glades (phk) N26°47.44' / W80°41.64', N26°46.76' / W80°41.56' what: on December 9, 2024, at approximately 1630 local time, aircraft #1 (Cessna) collided midair with aircraft#2 (Piper) at Palm Beach County Glades Airport (phk). Aircraft #2(Piper) sustained substantial damage on the top of the fuselage as aircraft #1(Cessna) collided from above while turning base to final on runway 18. Aircraft #2 (Piper) was on final approach at a lower altitude at approximately 125FT. The impact marks on aircraft #2 (Piper) indicate the left-hand wing of aircraft # 1(Cessna) impacted the top of fuselage causing substantial damage to the top of the airframe crown area aircraft #2 (Piper). Impact marks on the RH wing of aircraft #2 (Piper) indicate the left MLG of aircraft #1 (Cessna) impacted the top outer area of wing showing evidence tire skid marks. ADS-B data shows aircraft #1 (Cessna) at 450FT while turning base to final while aircraft #2 (Piper) was at 175FT on final approach. A go pro video footage was obtained and clearly shows aircraft #1 (Cessna) was at a higher altitude while practicing short final approaches; both aircraft landed safely, and no injuries were reported. FAA investigators responded to the scene and interviewed both parties. Radio comm frequencies were verified on both aircraft. The correct UNICOM frequency on the vfh radios were operating normally. A radio check was satisfactorily on both aircraft. The handheld mic was verified inoperative on aircraft #1 (Cessna). Aircraft #1 yoke ptt was verified to operate normally via headphone. High wing vs low wing is not a factor. Aircraft number #1(Cessna) was high wing aircraft. Aircraft #2 (Piper) was a low wing aircraft.