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Two Swearingen Airplanes Collide on Taxiway (N60U)

Denver, CO, US

On December 3, 2003, a Swearingen SA226-TC (registration N60U) operated by Key Lime was involved in an aviation accident near Denver, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the pilot of the taxiing aircraft to maintain clearance and adequate visual lookout for the stopped aircraft. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N60U
Aircraft registered N60U. Photo: Pete Macklin / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Two Swearingen airplanes collided while taxiing for departure. The second airplane struck the first from behind despite applying brakes and reverse thrust.

Accident Overview

Two Swearingen airplanes were involved in a collision during taxi operations. The first airplane was taxiing north for departure when it came to a complete stop behind several company aircraft ahead in line. The second airplane was also taxiing north for departure. According to the pilot of the second airplane, he observed lights from an aircraft holding short of runway 17R but did not see the lights of the first airplane until it was too late to avoid a collision.

Pilot Reports

The pilot of the first airplane reported that he had stopped because there were several company aircraft ahead of him waiting for departure. The pilot of the second airplane stated that he applied full brakes and used reverse thrust in an attempt to stop, but was unable to prevent striking the first airplane.

Damage

Both airplanes sustained substantial damage as a result of the impact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Dec 2003 Swearingen SA226-TC accident near Denver, CO?

Two Swearingen airplanes collided while taxiing for departure. The second airplane struck the first from behind despite applying brakes and reverse thrust.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Dec 2003 Swearingen SA226-TC accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Dec 2003 involved a Swearingen SA226-TC, registration N60U, operated by Key Lime, at Denver, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the failure of the pilot of the taxiing aircraft to maintain clearance and adequate visual lookout for the stopped aircraft.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031205X02001. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.