AOPA Air Safety Foundation
 | Midair Collision |
The NTSB recently released the preliminary accident report on a midair collision that occurred between a Piper PA-31T and a Cessna 172P over Denver, Colorado the evening of January 24, 2003. The accident killed five on board both aircraft, and injured six on the ground. Most midairs occur in VFR conditions, in the daytime, and neither aircraft is in communication with ATC. This accident was unique because it occurred at night, and both aircraft were using VFR flight following in controlled airspace. As with most accidents, a variety of factors were involved. For more information read the NTSB accident report and view an ASF basic diagram of the accident.
This accident is one deadly reminder that pilots should always be aware of the positions of other aircraft around them, regardless of airspace type or weather conditions. Always listen to ATC transmissions to other pilots, and if another aircraft is being vectored close by, be on high alert. Also, be particularly careful if climbing in a high wing aircraft, or descending in a low wing aircraft. Blind spots in these situations can lead to two aircraft converging and neither pilot knowing they are in danger until it is too late. If in controlled airspace, do not rely on ATC to clear all traffic. Any pilots in visual flight conditions, whether under VFR or IFR, are responsible for traffic avoidance. ATC's main service is to provide separation for IFR traffic, but this does not make IFR pilots immune. VFR pilots should be even more aware. As the Denver accident shows, any transponder problems, ATC radar problems, blind spots, etc. can lead to disaster.
