Mid-air collision between Cirrus SR22 and Swearingen AS226TC during parallel approaches

No fatalities • Denver-Centennial, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

A mid-air collision occurred between a Cirrus SR22 and a Swearingen AS226TC while both aircraft were performing approaches to parallel runways under different controller frequencies.

What happened

During simultaneous operations on parallel runways, a Swearingen AS226TC was established on an extended final approach for the left runway, while a Cirrus SR22 was executing a right-hand traffic pattern for the right runway. The two aircraft were being managed by different controllers operating on separate tower frequencies.

Flight data from the Cirrus SR22 indicated that the aircraft was traveling at a speed exceeding 50 knots above the manufacturer's recommended approach range of 90 to 95 knots while on the base leg. As the pilot attempted the 90-degree turn from the base leg to the final approach, the high airspeed resulted in an enlarged turn radius. This maneuver caused the aircraft to drift across the centerline of the right runway and into the extended centerline of the left runway.

At the moment of impact, the Cirrus SR22 had completed approximately half of its turn. The pilot of the Swearingen AS226TC landed the aircraft without incident, but the Cirrus SR22 pilot deployed the airframe parachute system. The parachute deployment allowed the aircraft to come to rest upright approximately 3 nautical miles from the airport. Both aircraft experienced substantial damage to their fuselages.

Findings

Investigation into the collision identified several contributing factors. The pilot of the Cirrus SR22 utilized an approach speed significantly higher than recommended, which directly increased the turning radius and caused the flight path deviation. Additionally, the pilot misjudged the aircraft's trajectory during the turn from base to final.

Regarding air traffic control, the controller managing the Swearingen AS226TC failed to provide a traffic advisory to the pilot concerning the nearby Cirrus SR22. While the controller managing the Cirrus SR22 did issue a warning regarding the other aircraft, the lack of communication on the second frequency meant the pilot of the Swearingen AS226TC was unaware of the potential conflict. Under FAA Order JO 7110.65Y, the issuance of such traffic information is required during parallel runway operations.

Probable cause

The collision was caused by the Cirrus pilot's excessive approach speed and subsequent flight path deviation, compounded by the failure of air traffic control to issue a necessary traffic advisory to the Swearingen pilot.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2021-05-12 Swearingen SA226 Metro II accident near Denver-Centennial, United States of America?

A mid-air collision occurred between a Cirrus SR22 and a Swearingen AS226TC while both aircraft were performing approaches to parallel runways under different controller frequencies.

Were there any fatalities in the 2021-05-12 Swearingen SA226 Metro II accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2021-05-12 involved a Swearingen SA226 Metro II, registration N280KL, operated by Key Lime Air, at Denver-Centennial, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collision was caused by the Cirrus pilot's excessive approach speed and subsequent flight path deviation, compounded by the failure of air traffic control to issue a necessary traffic advisory to the Swearingen pilot.

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