See and be seen has its limitations. Sometimes only one aircraft is in a position to prevent a collision. If those occupants are head down or have their attention directed elsewhere, bad stuff can happen fast.
Officials said they have found four bodies in the wreckage, which was strewn across a wide area.
"It appears it was a very violent crash, as you can tell by both aircraft being in multiple pieces," said Cal Fire Division Chief Nick Schuler.
The wreckage from the two planes landed about 100 yards apart, said sheriff's Lt. Jim Bolwerk. No homes were damaged by the fires.