Accident Overview
On November 14, 2008, about 1533 Alaska Standard time, a Cessna 152, N47417, and a Cessna 182R, N9772H, collided in midair approximately 0.5 miles from the approach end of runway 19L at Fairbanks International Airport, Fairbanks, Alaska. The Cessna 152, operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area instructional flight, received minor damage. The Cessna 182R, operating as a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) VFR positioning flight (CAP Flight 5043), sustained substantial damage. Both flights were conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The certificated flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot in the Cessna 152 were not injured; the private pilot and pilot-rated passenger in the Cessna 182R were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
Sequence of Events
According to FAA personnel, the Cessna 182R had been cleared for landing on runway 19L and was on final approach. The Cessna 152 was on a right downwind traffic pattern for landing on runway 19L, designated as number two for landing. The Cessna 152 pilot was instructed to extend the downwind pattern and then execute a right 360-degree turn to increase spacing between landing aircraft. Instead, the pilot performed a left 360-degree turn. During this turn, the left wingtip of the Cessna 152 struck the rudder of the Cessna 182R. Both airplanes landed safely.
The CFI in the Cessna 152 reported that he was on a right downwind and the student pilot was at the controls. Indicated to extend the downwind, he turned base, sighted the CAP aircraft, and heard it cleared for landing. Turning final at about 300 feet AGL, the CAP aircraft appeared below; he applied full power and initiated a left climbing turn. ATCT instructed a right 360, but he was already turning left and advised ATC. He then requested a gear check, was told the gear appeared good, and landed. Post-landing inspection revealed the left wing leading edge flattened and dented at the tip, and the wingtip fairing cracked.
The pilot of the Cessna 182R reported departing Eielson Air Force Base to move the CAP aircraft to Fairbanks International, performing touch-and-goes at Fort Wainwright, then proceeding to Fairbanks. On a long final, cleared to land on 19L, he heard ATC clearing other aircraft. During approach, a "bang" occurred and the airplane yawed; he saw no other aircraft. Believing a bird strike, he requested a gear check, was advised gear was visible, and landed. After landing, top right side of the rudder was dented and the rudder cap broken and missing.
Airport and ATC Information
Fairbanks International Airport has two parallel hard-surfaced runways oriented 190/010 degrees. Runway 19L is 6,500 feet long and 100 feet wide, with its threshold beginning about 4,300 feet past the threshold of runway 19R, preceded by a 3,500-foot gravel ski strip. During VFR, aircraft separation is primarily visual by ATCT personnel via radio communication, per the Air Traffic Controller Handbook. Controllers should advise pilots if radar targets appear likely to converge. The airport has a TRACON with ARTS radar east of the field, and the tower cab has a D-BRITE radar repeater display for primary and secondary returns, intended to augment visual observations.
Communications and Radar Data
Review of communications tapes and radar plot data by the NTSB revealed that at 1527:06, the Cessna 152 was cleared for the option on right downwind, number three for landing behind a Courier. At 1529:50, the Cessna 182R reported inbound and was told to enter left base. At 1530:46, the Cessna 152 was told to extend downwind, now number two behind the Cessna 182R. At 1531:38, the Cessna 182R was cleared to land. At 1532:14, the controller asked if the Cessna 152 had traffic ahead; the pilot affirmed and was told to follow. Radar showed at 1532:33, the Cessna 152 at 1,300 feet MSL in a right turn onto final, while the Cessna 182R was at 800 feet to the left and ahead. At 1532:38, the Cessna 152 was at 1,200 feet; the Cessna 182R at 800 feet, closer. At 1532:42, both were nearly adjacent with the 182 slightly ahead; altitude data not recorded. Between 1532:42 and 1533:27, no radar data for the 152. At 1533:17, the controller instructed a right 360; two voices acknowledged. At 1533:27, the pilot reported making a left 360; radar showed the 152 at 600 feet beginning a left turn, completing it at 1534:00. From 1532:42 to 1533:32, no radar data for the 182; at 1533:32 the 182 was at 600 feet. At 1533:41 at 500 feet, the 182 pilot radioed a go-around due to rudder vibration and requested gear check; ATC confirmed gear. The 182 landed. At 1534:13, the 152 was told to go around; at 1534:34, the pilot asked about gear and was told OK. The 152 landed without further incident.
Weather Information
At 1553, an aviation routine weather report (METAR) at Fairbanks reported: wind calm, visibility 10 statute miles, few clouds at 10,000 feet, scattered at 20,000 feet, temperature -2°F, dew point -8°F, altimeter 29.84 inHg.