Accident Overview
Two aircraft, N100HC and N33177, collided in midair due to the failure of both pilots to maintain adequate visual separation. The pilot-in-command of N100HC made a poor decision by conducting a simulated emergency descent on a low altitude airway. The descending maneuver, performed in a southerly direction between 5,500 and 3,500 feet, coincided with the westerly cruising altitude of N33177.
Contributing Factors
The pilot of N33177 was hindered to an unknown degree by the high wing design of the aircraft, which likely reduced visibility of N100HC as it descended at a convergence angle of approximately 90 degrees. The crew of N100HC sighted N33177 just prior to the collision and initiated a rolling pull-up evasive maneuver, but it was unsuccessful.
Collision and Aftermath
During the collision, a portion of the right wing and the empennage of N33177 were separated, resulting in an uncontrolled vertical descent. A post-crash fire consumed the wreckage of N33177. Damage to N100HC led to a forced landing 7.5 miles from the collision site. Both pilots aboard the Beech (N100HC) were unhurt.
Structural Damage
Following the forced landing, the landing gear of N100HC failed: the main gear suffered total failure due to overload, and the nose gear also failed totally due to overload. The aircraft subsequently collided with terrain during the landing flare/touchdown.
Official Findings
The investigation identified several findings. In the midair collision phase, the pilot in command of N100HC exhibited poor in-flight planning and decision-making by conducting a simulated emergency procedure. Additionally, the pilot failed to maintain a proper visual lookout and was inattentive. A remedial action was attempted but not successful. The loss of control and forced landing phases were recorded, with specific gear failures noted.
Probable Cause
Occurrence #1: midair collision Phase of operation: maneuvering Findings: 1. (c) in-flight planning/decision - poor - pilot in command 2. Emergency procedure - simulated - pilot in command 3. (c) visual lookout - not maintained - pilot in command 4. (c) inattentive - pilot in command 5. Remedial action - attempted - pilot in command
Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight Phase of operation: maneuvering
Occurrence #3: forced landing Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Occurrence #4: in flight collision with terrain/water Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown Findings: 6. Terrain condition - ground 7. Landing gear, main gear - failure, total 8. Landing gear, main gear - overload 9. Landing gear, nose gear - failure, total 10. Landing gear, nose gear - overload