A tragic midair collision near the highly respected Turf Soaring School, of Peoria AZ (West of Phoenix) has killed all four persons aboard the aircraft involved -- a Piper Cub and a 1983 Schleicher AS K21. Both aircraft are two seaters and were fully occupied.

While the FAA and NTSB have yet to complete an investigation, published reports suggest that the AS K21 was engaged in an aerobatic maneuver (reported as a loop) when it collided with the J-3 over Pleasant Valley Airport. The aircraft impacted just North of the runway and all four were reported lost at impact.

Turf Soaring School Aerobatic Instructor Keith Coulliette (right), 30, was giving dual to Matthew Broadus, 36, of Redmond, Washington. Coulliette, tragically, is also the son of Turf Soaring's owner Roy Coulliette. The Cub was reported to be under the guidance of Carl Remmer, 82, a retired Marine Corps pilot from Sun City. He was accompanied passenger Bob Shaff, also reported to be in his mid-80s, also of Phoenix. The aircraft departed the airport prior to the collision but was not involved in any school operations.

FMI: www.turfsoaring.com