FlightFinder
Casualties unknown

1999-09-12: Cessna 337C (N973FS) — George F. Shelton — North Adams, MA

North Adams, MA, US

On September 12, 1999, a Cessna 337C (registration N973FS) operated by George F. Shelton was involved in an aviation accident near North Adams, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the pilot of the Cessna 305 to follow the instructions issued, and maintain a low altitude. A factor was the delay in evasive action by the pilot of the Cessna 337 after he was first advised that the Cessna 305 was climbing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 337 and Cessna 305 collided during an airshow after the faster aircraft descended while the slower aircraft climbed, following briefing altitude restrictions.

Incident Overview

Three airplanes were conducting fly-bys at an airshow. The pilots had been briefed to prepare for multiple passes. The faster airplane, a Cessna 337, was assigned a minimum altitude of 500 feet AGL, while the two slower airplanes—a Piper J3C-65, followed by a Cessna 305—were restricted from climbing above 200 feet AGL.

Sequence of Events

After the Cessna 337 completed its first fly-by, the Piper and Cessna 305 flew by show-center. The Piper remained below 200 feet AGL while passing show-center. However, the Cessna 305 initiated a climb as the Cessna 337 returned toward show-center for its second pass. Witnesses reported that the airboss advised the pilot of the Cessna 337 that the Cessna 305 was climbing.

Collision

The downward visibility over the nose of the Cessna 337 restricted the pilot from seeing the Cessna 305 until it appeared in front of him. At the time of the collision, the Cessna 337 was maneuvering to the right and descending. The Cessna 305 was in a wings-level climb straight ahead.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19851. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.