Fri, Apr 07, 2006
Canada's TSBa Determines That Modifications To A Display
Manoeuvre Caused The In-Flight Collision
Canada's TSB has
released its final report (A05C0123) into the in-flight collision between two
biplane aircraft participating in the Saskatchewan Air Show in
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, on July 10, 2005.
The investigation revealed that the collision occurred as the
aircraft were executing a modified version of the Dairy Turn, a
manoeuvre originally conceived to create the illusion of a near
collision for spectators. The display involved three biplanes that
were used to perform a simulated dogfight. The biplanes would
execute crosses that were planned to ensure safe separation. The
modified manoeuvre did not ensure safe execution.
On July 10, 2005, three United States-registered aircraft were
engaged in a simulated dogfighting display at Moose Jaw/Air Vice
Marshal C.M. McEwen Airport as part of the Saskatchewan Air Show.
The display team, called the Masters of Disaster, consisted of
three biplane aircraft (a Waco, a Wolf-Samson and a Pitts Special).
A ground display featuring a jet-powered truck was part of the act.
The three biplanes were performing a series of crosses and chases
in a simulated dogfight scenario. As the jet-powered truck moved
into position on the show line, the three biplanes entered a
manoeuvre in preparation for a series of crosses centred on the
truck. During the manoeuvre, the Waco and the Wolf-Samson collided,
caught fire and crashed. Both pilots were killed at impact, and
both aircraft were destroyed. All debris fell away from the crowd
toward the outer runway. Immediate implementation of emergency
procedures kept spectators from moving toward the burning
wreckage.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates marine,
pipeline, railway and aviation transportation occurrences. Its sole
aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the
function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or
criminal liability.
TSB Final Report Excerpts:
Findings as to Causes and Contributing
Factors
- The Dairy Turn manoeuvre had been modified such that a
temporary loss of visual contact could occur immediately before the
aircraft crossed flight paths. This modification made timing
critical and added two potential points of collision.
- The manoeuvres immediately before the collision indicated that
the performers had not established a clearly understood contract
for the revised manoeuvre. The actions of each performer negated
the actions of the other, and neither pilot took positive action to
regain visual contact.
- The timing of the manoeuvre was lost when the Waco turned late
at show centre.
Finding as to Risk
The sequential manoeuvre information provided to Transport
Canada was not detailed enough to allow a thorough review of the
energy management of the display.
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