CHI06FA077

Prior to departure, both flight crews decided that they would join-up while in flight to take video and still pictures of each airplane. Both aircraft were Shorts Brothers SD-360-300 turboprop airplanes. While flying in formation, N3735W announced over the radio that they would turn right, toward N372AC, and descend. During the turn, N3735W's left wing impacted the left wing and engine of N372AC. After the collision, N372AC rolled to the left and pitched down significantly before the flight crew regained control of the airplane. After the collision, N372AC was losing hydraulic fluid and eventually had a complete hydraulic system failure. The airplane made an emergency landing at a nearby airport with its flaps retracted and its landing gear partially extended. The airplane overran the end of the runway, coming to rest about 100 feet from the departure threshold. White paint transfer markings and scrapes were observed on the left wing deice boot, the outboard side of the left engine cowling was crushed inboard, the left wing-strut leading edge was torn open and bent, and the lower fuselage skin, immediately forward of the landing gear wheel wells and stub wing, was torn from left to right, consistent with a propeller strike. N3735W impacted terrain and the airplane was destroyed during a subsequent ground fire. The flight crew and passenger were killed. The outboard three-quarters of the left wing was separated from the main wreckage and was not fire damaged. The upper wing surface had linear scrapes diagonally across the wing skin. The left aileron from N3735W was found on the runway where N372AC had landed.

Prior to departure, both flight crews decided that they would join-up while in flight to take video and still pictures of each airplane. Both aircraft were Shorts Brothers SD-360-300 turboprop airplanes. While flying in formation, N3735W announced over the radio that they would turn right, toward N372AC, and descend. During the turn, N3735W's left wing impacted the left wing and engine of N372AC. After the collision, N372AC rolled to the left and pitched down significantly before the flight crew regained control of the airplane. After the collision, N372AC was losing hydraulic fluid and eventually had a complete hydraulic system failure. The airplane made an emergency landing at a nearby airport with its flaps retracted and its landing gear partially extended. The airplane overran the end of the runway, coming to rest about 100 feet from the departure threshold. White paint transfer markings and scrapes were observed on the left wing deice boot, the outboard side of the left engine cowling was crushed inboard, the left wing-strut leading edge was torn open and bent, and the lower fuselage skin, immediately forward of the landing gear wheel wells and stub wing, was torn from left to right, consistent with a propeller strike. N3735W impacted terrain and the airplane was destroyed during a subsequent ground fire. The flight crew and passenger were killed. The outboard three-quarters of the left wing was separated from the main wreckage and was not fire damaged. The upper wing surface had linear scrapes diagonally across the wing skin. The left aileron from N3735W was found on the runway where N372AC had landed.

History of flight

On February 5, 2006, at 1654 central standard time, two Shorts Brothers SD-360-300 airplanes (N3735W and N372AC) collided in-flight at approximately 2,500 feet mean sea level (msl) near Watertown, Wisconsin. Both aircraft were operated by Air Cargo Carriers, Inc., based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. N3735W was destroyed during impact with the ground and subsequent ground fire. N372AC was substantially damaged during the midair collision and subsequent emergency landing at Dodge County Airport (UNU), Juneau, Wisconsin. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. Both airplanes were operating under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without flight plans. The pilot-in-command (PIC), second-in-command (SIC), and passenger aboard N3735W were fatally injured. The PIC and SIC of N372AC were not injured. The passenger aboard N372AC reported minor injuries. N3735W and N372AC departed General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) at 1555 and 1615, respectively, for local area flights.

According to the flight crew of N372AC, the flights were performed to verify the fuel flow rates for auxiliary fuel tanks that had been recently installed on both airplanes. Prior to departure, both flight crews decided that they would join-up after departure to take video and still pictures of each airplane.

After departure and clearing the MKE Class-C airspace, the flight crew of N372AC established radio and visual contact with N3735W. N3735W proceeded to perform several fly-bys past N372AC who remained on constant headings and altitude. N3735W then came up along their left side and flew in formation maintaining approximately 100-150 feet lateral separation.

N3735W announced over the radio that they would turn right, toward N372AC, and descend. During the turn, N3735W's left wing impacted the left wing and engine of N372AC. The PIC of N372AC reported that he attempted to climb in an attempt to avoid the collision with N3735W. After the collision, N372AC rolled to the left and pitched down significantly before the flight crew regained control of the airplane. The flight crew declared an emergency and diverted to UNU for an emergency landing. After the collision, N372AC was losing hydraulic fluid and eventually had a complete hydraulic system failure. An emergency landing was made on runway 8 (5,069 feet by 100 feet, asphalt) with the airplane's flaps retracted and its landing gear partially extended.

Personnel information

N3735W -- PIC

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the PIC of N3735W, age 25, held a commercial certificate with airplane single-engine land, airplane single-engine sea, airplane multiengine land, and instrument airplane ratings. He had a type-rating for the Shorts Brothers SD-360-300. The PIC's last aviation medical examination was completed on July 28, 2005, when he was issued a first-class medical certificate with no restrictions or waivers.

According to company information, the PIC had accumulated 1,643 hours of flight time. He had flown 384 hours in single-engine airplanes and 1,259 hours in multiengine airplanes. He had accumulated 318 hours at night, 160 hours in actual instrument conditions, and 40 hours in simulated instrument conditions. The PIC had flown 1,181 hours in a Shorts Brothers SD-360-300. His last flight review was completed on September 14, 2005, in a Shorts Brothers SD-360-300.

N3735W -- SIC

According to FAA records, the SIC of N3735W, age 42, held an airline transport pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land and airplane multiengine land ratings. The airplane single-engine land rating was limited to commercial privileges only. The SIC was also a certified flight instructor for single-engine land airplanes. He was type-rated for the Shorts Brothers SD-360-300 and Douglas DC-3. The SIC's last aviation medical examination was completed on September 13, 2005, when he was issued a first-class medical certificate with no restrictions or waivers.

According to company information, the SIC had accumulated 7,015 hours of flight time. He had flown 1,152 hours in single-engine airplanes and 5,863 hours in multiengine airplanes. He had accumulated 2,000 hours at night, 500 hours in actual instrument conditions, and 100 hours in simulated instrument conditions. The SIC had flown 4,984 hours in a Shorts Brothers SD-360-300. His last flight review was completed on January 19, 2006, in a Shorts Brothers SD-360-300.

N372AC -- PIC

According to FAA records, the PIC of N372AC, age 26, held a commercial certificate with airplane single-engine land, airplane multiengine land, and instrument airplane ratings. The PIC was also a certified flight instructor for single-engine land airplanes. He had a type-rating for the Shorts Brothers SD-360-300. The PIC's last aviation medical examination was completed on August 31, 2005, when he was issued a first-class medical certificate with no restrictions or waivers.

According to company information, the PIC had accumulated 1,524 hours of flight time. He had flown 753 hours in single-engine airplanes and 771 hours in multiengine airplanes. He had accumulated 416 hours at night, 173 hours in actual instrument conditions, and 25 hours in simulated instrument conditions. The PIC had flown 630 hours in a Shorts Brothers SD-360-300. His last flight review was completed on October 13, 2005, in a Shorts Brothers SD-360-300.

N372AC -- SIC

According to FAA records, the SIC of N372AC, age 23, held a commercial certificate with airplane single-engine land, airplane multiengine land, and instrument airplane ratings. He had a type-rating for the Shorts Brothers SD-360-300, limited to second-in-command privileges. The SIC's last aviation medical examination was completed on July 20, 2005, when he was issued a first-class medical certificate with no restrictions or waivers.

According to company information, the SIC had accumulated 519 hours of flight time. He had flown 338 hours in single-engine airplanes and 181 hours in multiengine airplanes. He had accumulated 155 hours at night, 61 hours in actual instrument conditions, and 60 hours in simulated instrument conditions. The SIC had flown 122 hours in a Shorts Brothers SD-360-300. His last flight review was completed on October 13, 2005, in a Shorts Brothers SD-360-300.

Aircraft information

Both aircraft were Shorts Brothers SD-360-300 turboprop airplanes. The airplanes were of all-metal construction incorporating a semimonocoque fuselage and empennage design. They were equipped with externally braced wings, wing flaps, constant speed propellers, and retractable tricycle landing gear. Each airplane was equipped with two 1,424 shaft-horsepower Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67R turbine engines and two Hartzell HC-A6A-3A propellers. Both aircraft were configured to seat six occupants and had certified maximum takeoff weights of 27,100 lbs.

N3735W, serial number SH-3735, was issued an FAA transport category airworthiness certificate and registration certificate on November 18, 2005. The airplane had a total service time of 10,077 hours at the time of the accident. The airplane was maintained in accordance with an approved manufacturer inspection program. The last inspection was completed on January 24, 2006. The left engine, serial number PCE-106128, had accumulated 13,640 hours total time and 26 hours since last major overhaul. The right engine, serial number PCE-106007, had accumulated 9,587 hours total time and 5,195 hours since last major overhaul. A review of the maintenance records found no history of unresolved airworthiness issues.

N372AC, serial number SH-3720, was issued an FAA transport category airworthiness certificate on February 2, 2006. The FAA issued the current aircraft registration certificate on December 7, 2005. The airplane had a total service time of 21,996 hour

History of flight

On February 5, 2006, at 1654 central standard time, two Shorts Brothers SD-360-300 airplanes (N3735W and N372AC) collided in-flight at approximately 2,500 feet mean sea level (msl) near Watertown, Wisconsin. Both aircraft were operated by Air Cargo Carriers, Inc., based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. N3735W was destroyed during impact with the ground and subsequent ground fire. N372AC was substantially damaged during the midair collision and subsequent emergency landing at Dodge County Airport (UNU), Juneau, Wisconsin. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. Both airplanes were operating under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without flight plans. The pilot-in-command (PIC), second-in-command (SIC), and passenger aboard N3735W were fatally injured. The PIC and SIC of N372AC were not injured. The passenger aboard N372AC reported minor injuries. N3735W and N372AC departed General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) at 1555 and 1615, respectively, for local area flights.

According to the flight crew of N372AC, the flights were performed to verify the fuel flow rates for auxiliary fuel tanks that had been recently installed on both airplanes. Prior to departure, both flight crews decided that they would join-up after departure to take video and still pictures of each airplane.

After departure and clearing the MKE Class-C airspace, the flight crew of N372AC established radio and visual contact with N3735W. N3735W proceeded to perform several fly-bys past N372AC who remained on constant headings and altitude. N3735W then came up along their left side and flew in formation maintaining approximately 100-150 feet lateral separation.

N3735W announced over the radio that they would turn right, toward N372AC, and descend. During the turn, N3735W's left wing impacted the left wing and engine of N372AC. The PIC of N372AC reported that he attempted to climb in an attempt to avoid the collision with N3735W. After the collision, N372AC rolled to the left and pitched down significantly before the flight crew regained control of the airplane. The flight crew declared an emergency and diverted to UNU for an emergency landing. After the collision, N372AC was losing hydraulic fluid and eventually had a complete hydraulic system failure. An emergency landing was made on runway 8 (5,069 feet by 100 feet, asphalt) with the airplane's flaps retracted and its landing gear partially extended.

Personnel information

N3735W -- PIC

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the PIC of N3735W, age 25, held a commercial certificate with airplane single-engine land, airplane single-engine sea, airplane multiengine land, and instrument airplane ratings. He had a type-rating for the Shorts Brothers SD-360-300. The PIC's last aviation medical examination was completed on July 28, 2005, when he was issued a first-class medical certificate with no restrictions or waivers.

According to company information, the PIC had accumulated 1,643 hours of flight time. He had flown 384 hours in single-engine airplanes and 1,259 hours in multiengine airplanes. He had accumulated 318 hours at night, 160 hours in actual instrument conditions, and 40 hours in simulated instrument conditions. The PIC had flown 1,181 hours in a Shorts Brothers SD-360-300. His last flight review was completed on September 14, 2005, in a Shorts Brothers SD-360-300.

N3735W -- SIC

According to FAA records, the SIC of N3735W, age 42, held an airline transport pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land and airplane multiengine land ratings. The airplane single-engine land rating was limited to commercial privileges only. The SIC was also a certified flight instructor for single-engine land airplanes. He was type-rated for the Shorts Brothers SD-360-300 and Douglas DC-3. The SIC's last aviation medical examination was completed on September 13, 2005, when he was issued a first-class medical certificate with no restrictions or waivers.

According to company information, the SIC had accumulated 7,015 hours of flight time. He had flown 1,152 hours in single-engine airplanes and 5,863 hours in multiengine airplanes. He had accumulated 2,000 hours at night, 500 hours in actual instrument conditions, and 100 hours in simulated instrument conditions. The SIC had flown 4,984 hours in a Shorts Brothers SD-360-300. His last flight review was completed on January 19, 2006, in a Shorts Brothers SD-360-300.

N372AC -- PIC

According to FAA records, the PIC of N372AC, age 26, held a commercial certificate with airplane single-engine land, airplane multiengine land, and instrument airplane ratings. The PIC was also a certified flight instructor for single-engine land airplanes. He had a type-rating for the Shorts Brothers SD-360-300. The PIC's last aviation medical examination was completed on August 31, 2005, when he was issued a first-class medical certificate with no restrictions or waivers.

According to company information, the PIC had accumulated 1,524 hours of flight time. He had flown 753 hours in single-engine airplanes and 771 hours in multiengine airplanes. He had accumulated 416 hours at night, 173 hours in actual instrument conditions, and 25 hours in simulated instrument conditions. The PIC had flown 630 hours in a Shorts Brothers SD-360-300. His last flight review was completed on October 13, 2005, in a Shorts Brothers SD-360-300.

N372AC -- SIC

According to FAA records, the SIC of N372AC, age 23, held a commercial certificate with airplane single-engine land, airplane multiengine land, and instrument airplane ratings. He had a type-rating for the Shorts Brothers SD-360-300, limited to second-in-command privileges. The SIC's last aviation medical examination was completed on July 20, 2005, when he was issued a first-class medical certificate with no restrictions or waivers.

According to company information, the SIC had accumulated 519 hours of flight time. He had flown 338 hours in single-engine airplanes and 181 hours in multiengine airplanes. He had accumulated 155 hours at night, 61 hours in actual instrument conditions, and 60 hours in simulated instrument conditions. The SIC had flown 122 hours in a Shorts Brothers SD-360-300. His last flight review was completed on October 13, 2005, in a Shorts Brothers SD-360-300.

Aircraft information

Both aircraft were Shorts Brothers SD-360-300 turboprop airplanes. The airplanes were of all-metal construction incorporating a semimonocoque fuselage and empennage design. They were equipped with externally braced wings, wing flaps, constant speed propellers, and retractable tricycle landing gear. Each airplane was equipped with two 1,424 shaft-horsepower Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67R turbine engines and two Hartzell HC-A6A-3A propellers. Both aircraft were configured to seat six occupants and had certified maximum takeoff weights of 27,100 lbs.

N3735W, serial number SH-3735, was issued an FAA transport category airworthiness certificate and registration certificate on November 18, 2005. The airplane had a total service time of 10,077 hours at the time of the accident. The airplane was maintained in accordance with an approved manufacturer inspection program. The last inspection was completed on January 24, 2006. The left engine, serial number PCE-106128, had accumulated 13,640 hours total time and 26 hours since last major overhaul. The right engine, serial number PCE-106007, had accumulated 9,587 hours total time and 5,195 hours since last major overhaul. A review of the maintenance records found no history of unresolved airworthiness issues.

N372AC, serial number SH-3720, was issued an FAA transport category airworthiness certificate on February 2, 2006. The FAA issued the current aircraft registration certificate on December 7, 2005. The airplane had a total service time of 21,996 hour