Midair Collision in British Columbia Training Area Results in Four Fatalities

Casualties unknown • Cessna 152 C-GPFE, CA

A midair collision between an Aircoupe and a Cessna 152 in a local training area near Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, left four people dead.

What happened

In the late afternoon, an Aircoupe departed Langley airport, flying to Pitt Meadows for a series of low-level touch-and-go landings. Following these maneuvers, the aircraft entered the CYA 125 (T) training area. Simultaneously, a Cessna 152 departed Boundary Bay airport, heading into the same training area to conduct basic flight instruction for a student and instructor.

At approximately 16:27, the two aircraft collided at an altitude of 1300 feet above sea level while traveling on nearly opposing headings. The impact caused both aircraft to suffer catastrophic structural failure and break up in flight before falling to the ground. The collision resulted in four fatalities, with no survivors. There was no fire following the impact.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the operational environment and the limitations of the see-and-avoid principle, as no mechanical defects were found in either aircraft. Investigators examined the flight paths and the visibility conditions at the time of the accident.

It was determined that the pilots were not in communication with one another and were not monitoring the recommended local radio frequency. The investigation also looked at the physical limitations of the aircraft cockpits. For the Aircoupe, the low-wing design and a right bank during a turn likely obstructed the pilot's view of the approaching Cessna. For the Cessna, the Aircoupe's yellow color may have blended into the background, and the lack of a visible landing light on the Aircoupe made it difficult to detect. Furthermore, the high closure speed of the two aircraft meant that the target size remained too small for effective detection until moments before impact.

Findings

  • Neither pilot observed the other aircraft in time to perform evasive maneuvers.
  • The pilots failed to monitor the recommended radio frequency and were not communicating with each other.
  • Environmental and physiological factors, including fading light, background camouflage, and the inherent limitations of the human eye, hindered effective separation.
  • The flight path of the Aircoupe involved orbiting an ultralight aircraft, which may have diverted the pilot's attention.

Probable cause

The collision occurred because neither pilot detected the other aircraft in time to take evasive action, compounded by a lack of communication on the recommended frequency and the inherent physiological limitations of the see-and-avoid principle during a high-speed head-on approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-11-20 and Pacific Flying Club accident near Cessna 152 C-GPFE, CA?

A midair collision between an Aircoupe and a Cessna 152 in a local training area near Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, left four people dead.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-11-20 involved a and Pacific Flying Club, operated by Between ERCO Aircoupe 415C C-GHFB, at Cessna 152 C-GPFE, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collision occurred because neither pilot detected the other aircraft in time to take evasive action, compounded by a lack of communication on the recommended frequency and the inherent physiological limitations of the see-and-avoid principle during a high-speed head-on approach.

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