What happened
During the Saskatchewan Air Show at Moose Jaw/Air Vice Marshal C.M. McEwen Airport, a mid-air collision occurred between two biplanes participating in a simulated dogfight. The display team, known as The Masters of a Disaster, was performing a series of aerial maneuvers involving a Waco UPF-7 (N2369Q), a Wolf-Samson (N985PW), and a Pitts Special (N99MF). The act also featured a jet-powered truck known as Shockwave.
At approximately 1617 CST, the aircraft were executing maneuvers centered around the jet-powered truck. During a specific maneuver known as the "Dairy Turn," the Waco UPF-7 and the Wolf-Samson collided near the 1500-foot show line. The impact caused both aircraft to catch fire and crash between the show line and the outer runway. The collision resulted in two fatalities, as both pilots were killed upon impact. The aircraft were both destroyed, though all debris fell away from the spectators.
The investigation
The investigation examined the mechanics of the "Dairy Turn" maneuver and the communication between the pilots. It was noted that while the original version of this maneuver allowed for safe separation, a modified version had been implemented. This modification created flight paths that crossed twice, introducing two potential points of collision.
Investigators also looked into the pilots' actions, noting that the pilot of the Wolf-Samson initiated a climb that was not part of the planned sequence, likely in an attempt to avoid a perceived collision. Simultaneously, the pilot of the Waco UPF-7 turned late, which disrupted the timing of the maneuver. The investigation also considered environmental factors, such as wind affecting the visibility of smoke, and the potential utility of radio communications in such open-cockpit environments.
Findings
- The modified "Dairy Turn" maneuver created a situation where a temporary loss of visual contact could occur right before the aircraft paths intersected.
- The timing of the maneuver failed when the Waco UPF-7 performed a late turn at the center of the show area.
- The pilots had not established a clearly understood contract for the revised maneuver, leading to a lack of visual separation.
- The actions of the two pilots effectively canceled each other out, as neither pilot successfully took positive steps to regain visual contact with the other aircraft.