N7797V

On May 21, 1995, at 1355 central daylight time, a Bellanca 17- 30A, N8872V, collided with N7797C, a Piper PA-32-300, near Conroe, Texas. N8872V was destroyed by post impact fire, while N7797C sustained substantial damage. The private pilot of N8872V sustained serious injuries while the commercial pilot flying N7797C was uninjured. Neither airplane was carrying passengers. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 CFR Part 91 flights.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the Bellanca was landing on Runway 19, while the Piper was on takeoff roll from Runway 14 at the Montgomery County Municipal Airport, near Conroe, Texas. The right main landing gear from the landing Bellanca struck the windshield and engine cowling on the departing Piper.

The UNICOM was reported to be operational on 122.95 at the time of the accident, and both airplanes were equipped with two-way radio communications. The pilot of the landing airplane stated in the enclosed pilot/operator report that he announced his intentions while entering the pattern, and followed another airplane landing on Runway 19. The departing pilot stated that he stated his intentions on 122.95 prior to taking the active runway. Post examination of the airplane revealed that his radio was tuned to 122.7.

The UNICOM operator reported that she did not hear either the landing or the departing aircraft announce their intentions on the radio. The airport operator reported that Runway 14-32 is the primary runway at the Montgomery County Airport and was reported to be in use at the time of the accident. The winds at nearby Houston Intercontinental (IAH) airport were reported from 120 degrees at 8 knots.