Incident Overview
A ground collision occurred during night taxi operations at General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, involving a Beech 99 and a Cessna 402. Both aircraft sustained substantial damage. The collision took place as both airplanes proceeded to the same cargo ramp using intersecting taxiways after landing.
Sequence of Events
The Cessna 402 landed on runway 25R and was instructed to taxi to the cargo ramp via taxiways Golf, Bravo, and Alpha. The Beech 99 landed on runway 25L, and its pilot was directed to turn right at taxiway A2 (a high-speed taxiway), monitor ground frequency 121.8, and taxi to the cargo ramp. The local controller reported scanning taxiway A and the runway, confirming that the Beech 99 was clear of the runway.
As the Beech 99 prepared to turn off taxiway A2 onto taxiway A, the Cessna 402 approached the intersection of taxiway A and taxiway A2. The right propeller of the Beech 99 struck the left wing tip fuel tank of the Cessna 402. The impact ignited a fire. Both pilots evacuated their respective airplanes.
Controller Instructions and Pilot Actions
The local controller did not advise either pilot that other aircraft would be approaching the same taxiway intersection. Neither aircraft was issued hold short instructions. According to FAA Order 7110.65, "Air Traffic Control," the absence of holding instructions authorizes an aircraft to cross all taxiways and runways that intersect the taxi route. The same order states that controllers should instruct aircraft where to turn off the runway after landing and advise them to hold short of a runway or taxiway if required for traffic.
Taxi Speeds and Visibility
Airport Surface Detection Equipment Model X (ASDE-X) provided imagery of the movements of both airplanes leading up to the collision. The replay showed the Beech 99 taxiing at 20 knots on taxiway A2 approaching the intersection with taxiway A. The Cessna 402 was taxiing at 20 knots just short of the same intersection. Both pilots reported that they did not see the other airplane while taxiing.
Regulatory Context
Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 states that vigilance shall be maintained by each person operating an aircraft to "see and avoid" other aircraft.