Aviation Disaster: The Collision over San Diego (September 1978)

Overview

• Event: Collision of Boeing 727 and Cessna in September 1978.
• Location: San Diego, becoming the worst aviation disaster in US history.
• Casualties: 144 people killed, including 7 on the ground and both aircraft crews.

Key Individuals

• First Officer Bob Fox: At the controls of PSA Flight 182, a 9-year veteran.
• Captain Jim McFeron: 17-year veteran, highly regarded, and known as a "born pilot."
• Martin Wayne: Engineer on board PSA 182.
• Wally Funk: NTSB lead investigator.
• Philip Hogue: Senior NTSB investigator.

Flight Details

• Aircraft: Pacific Southwest Airlines flight 182, a Boeing 727.
• Route: Sacramento to San Diego.
• Passengers: 128, including 30 PSA employees.

San Diego Airport Details

• Lindberg Field: Busiest single runway airport in North America.
• Flight Challenges: Proximity to downtown, obstructions, terrain drop-offs.
• Air Traffic: Busy airspace with commercial, military, and private flights.

The Collision

• Initial Descent: PSA 182 was descending for Runway 27.
• Visual Separation: PSA crew acknowledged seeing a Cessna.
• Missed Sighting: PSA crew lost sight of the Cessna, assuming it was behind them.
• Impact: PSA 182 collided with the Cessna due to misjudged distance and position.

Investigation

• Wreckage Analysis: Paint transfers confirmed midair collision.
• Flight Path Analysis: Radar tracks showed the Cessna turned into the path of the 727.
• Cockpit Voice Recordings: Revealed crew's miscommunication and assumptions.
• Witness Reports: Indicated possible confusion due to other aircraft in the area.
• Visibility Study: Cessna was in view for 170 seconds but possibly obscured by cockpit design and seating adjustments.

Contributing Factors

• Pilot Responsibilities: PSA crew failed to maintain visual separation.
• Air Traffic Control: Miscommunication and procedural shortcomings.
• Cessna Flight Path: Drifted from assigned heading.
• Technological Limitations: Collision alert system not acted upon due to frequent false alarms.

Aftermath and Changes

• Regulatory Changes: Improved air traffic control procedures and restrictions at Lindberg Field.
• Operational Changes: Introduction of sterile cockpit rule below 10,000 feet.
• Technological Advances: Development and implementation of TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System).

Conclusion

• Lessons Learned: Emphasis on clear communication, technological enhancements, and strict adherence to visual separation responsibilities.
• Legacy: The disaster prompted significant safety improvements and highlighted the complexities of airspace management and pilot-controller coordination.