What happened
On May 20, 1958, at approximately 11:29 EDT, a mid-air collision occurred roughly four miles east-northeast of Brunswick, Maryland. The accident involved a Capital Airlines Viscount, registration N 7410, and a Maryland Air National Guard T-33, registration 35966. At the time of the impact, the Viscount was descending along Victor Airway 1 while traveling from Pittsburgh to Baltimore-Friendship Airport. The T-33 was conducting a visual flight rules proficiency flight originating from Martin Airport in Baltimore.
Prior to the collision, both aircraft were flying parallel easterly paths at an altitude of approximately 8,000 feet, with the T-33 positioned behind and to the left of the larger airliner. As the T-33 accelerated to overtake the Viscount, the pilot executed a gentle right turn, which caused the T-33 to strike the forward left side of the Viscount's fuselage. The impact and subsequent fire resulted in the total destruction of both aircraft.
The collision led to eight fatalities: seven passengers and all four crew members aboard the Viscount were killed, while one passenger in the T-33 also perished. The pilot of the T-33 survived the accident by parachuting from the aircraft, despite sustaining severe burns.
Findings
Both aircraft were operating under visual flight rules (VFR) weather conditions at the time of the incident. Under these conditions, pilots are responsible for maintaining separation through visual observation. The investigation highlighted that the T-33 pilot failed to maintain adequate vigilance to see and avoid other aircraft during the overtaking maneuver.