Runway collision involving MD-82 and Cessna 441 at Lambert-St. Louis

2 fatalities • Saint Louis-Lambert, United States of America • Taxiing

A collision occurred on runway 30R when an MD-82 collided with a Cessna 441 that had entered the active runway during its takeoff roll.

What happened

On the active runway 30R, an MD-82, registered N954U, was performing its takeoff roll when it struck a Cessna 441, registered N441KM. The smaller aircraft was positioned on the runway while awaiting clearance to depart. The incident occurred after the pilot of the Cessna moved to an intersection on runway 30R, despite having been instructed to back-taxi and hold on runway 31.

At the time of the event, the local ATIS for the Lambert-St. Louis area identified runways 30R and 30L as the active surfaces for all arrivals and departures, with no indication that runway 31 was in use. The pilot of the Cessna reportedly operated under the assumption that they would be utilizing runway 30R for their departure.

Findings

Investigations into the collision highlighted several contributing factors. The pilot of the Cessna moved from the well-lit ramp area into the northeast runway and taxiway environment, at which point air traffic control personnel lost visual contact with the aircraft.

  • The pilot of the Cessna 441 entered the active departure path of the MD-82 based on an incorrect assumption regarding runway usage.
  • The pilot of the Cessna failed to follow the taxi instructions to hold on runway 31.
  • There was a lack of supplemental surveillance, as the use of an operational ASDE-3 or AMASS-enhanced system could have assisted in monitoring the northeast portion of the airport when visual contact was lost.

Probable cause

The pilot of the Cessna 441 entered the active runway 30R instead of following instructions to hold on runway 31, leading to a collision with an MD-82.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-11-22 Cessna 441 Conquest accident near Saint Louis-Lambert, United States of America?

A collision occurred on runway 30R when an MD-82 collided with a Cessna 441 that had entered the active runway during its takeoff roll.

Were there any fatalities in the 1994-11-22 Cessna 441 Conquest accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-11-22 involved a Cessna 441 Conquest, registration N441KM, operated by Superior Aviation, at Saint Louis-Lambert, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot of the Cessna 441 entered the active runway 30R instead of following instructions to hold on runway 31, leading to a collision with an MD-82.

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