Both pilots involved in the collision were talking to air traffic controllers, according to an NTSB update released Monday. Both pilots were flying VFR and had requested flight following. One controller was providing basic radar services to both pilots. Shortly before the crash, the Piper pilot, Leo "Lee" Larson, 57, had been issued a traffic advisory that the Cessna was at 12 o'clock and 1 mile. The reported visibility at the time was about 10-15 miles and the clouds were broken and scattered from 6,000 to 14,000 feet MSL. The Cessna 172, flown by Jonathan Ladd, 20, and carrying two passengers, had departed from Centennial Airport about 5 p.m. local time, headed to Cheyenne, Wyo. About 5:10 p.m., the Piper Cheyenne, with Larson and one passenger on board, departed Jefferson County Airport for Centennial Airport. At 5:17 p.m., Larson reported to the Denver Approach controller and said his altitude was 7,800 feet. About 90 seconds later, Ladd, in the Cessna, contacted the controller. He was at 7,300 feet and asked to climb to 8,500 feet. The request was granted. About 10 seconds later, the controller asked Larson his altitude, and was told 7,600 feet. The controller then issued a traffic advisory to Larson, advising there was a Cessna at the Piper's 12 o'clock position and 1 mile at 7,700 feet. The collision occurred shortly thereafter. The sun had set about 20 minutes prior to the collision.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.avweb.com/leadnews/a-collision-of-perceptions