Runway Incursion Involving Aerostar and Piper Malibu

Casualties unknown • Dunkirk, NY, US

A collision occurred at a runway intersection when an Aerostar and a Piper Malibu made contact during their respective landings.

What happened

On the day of the accident, an Aerostar was performing a left traffic pattern for runway 15. The pilot utilized the current Unicom frequency and received information that winds were favoring runway 15, which was the active runway. While monitoring a Cessna in the same traffic pattern, the pilot of the Aerostar proceeded to land on runway 15 but did not observe any other aircraft during the approach.

Simultaneously, a Piper Malibu was approaching the airport for a landing on runway 6. The pilot reported being on a 9-mile final for runway 6, but was communicating on a radio frequency that had been out-of-date for more than one year. The pilot of the Piper Malibu did not observe any other traffic and proceeded with the landing.

As both aircraft arrived at the intersection of runway 15 and runway 6, their right wings made contact. At the time of the accident, the reported wind was from 130 degrees at 11 knots.

The investigation

The investigation examined the communication methods used by both crews. It was determined that the pilot of the Piper Malibu was utilizing a global positioning system but had not referred to onboard approach charts, which contained the correct, current frequency. This resulted in the pilot using an obsolete frequency for communications.

Probable cause

The collision was caused by the use of an outdated radio frequency by the Piper Malibu pilot and the failure to utilize current approach charts, leading to a lack of situational awareness regarding runway activity.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-12-14 Piper PA-46-310P accident near Dunkirk, NY?

A collision occurred at a runway intersection when an Aerostar and a Piper Malibu made contact during their respective landings.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-12-14 involved a Piper PA-46-310P, registration N302H, operated by Richard Schneider, at Dunkirk, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collision was caused by the use of an outdated radio frequency by the Piper Malibu pilot and the failure to utilize current approach charts, leading to a lack of situational awareness regarding runway activity.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20051220X01994. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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