Collision Details
A Cessna 340A and a North American SNJ-4 collided in flight at approximately 3,000 feet mean sea level over Orlando, Florida. The visibility was 7 miles in visual meteorological conditions (VMC). Both aircraft were in contact with Orlando Approach Control and receiving radar vectors. The Cessna 340A was in level flight, while the SNJ-4 was completing a right turn and still descending to 1,500 feet when the collision occurred. Both aircraft were operating under instrument flight rules (IFR).
Operational Context
The Cessna 340A was being vectored to runway 18R at Orlando International Airport (MCO), and the SNJ-4 was directed to Orlando Executive Airport (ORL). The accident took place 7 miles northwest of ORL within the MCO Airport radar service outer area. During vectoring, there was a lack of coordination between controllers during a transfer of control. The receiving controller failed to maintain radar target identification, and there was also a lack of traffic advisories. The pilots' ability to see was limited by aircraft structure and their relative positions.
Aftermath
After the collision, both aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed. All four occupants aboard both aircraft were killed.
Probable Cause Findings
The official probable cause findings are:
- Occurrence #1: midair collision, phase of operation: cruise - normal.
- Findings:
1. (c) crew/group coordination - not performed - ATC personnel (dep/apch) 2. (f) radar, approach/departure - inadequate 3. (c) identification of aircraft on radar - inadequate - ATC personnel (dep/apch) 4. (f) traffic advisory - not issued - ATC personnel (dep/apch) 5. (f) visual lookout - inadequate - pilot in command 6. (f) visual lookout - inadequate - pilot of other aircraft
- Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water, phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled.