These accidents are seldom fatal because of relatively slow speeds, and they are nearly always skill-related. Regular practice, particularly when wind is blowing across the runway, will help to reduce this type of mishap. Areas of high traffic density around nontowered airports are the most likely places for two aircraft to come together. In 1997, there were 13 midair collisions, with 11 resulting in fatalities. In 1998, there were 14 midairs, again with 11 resulting in fatalities.
Collisions tend to be random events.
Careful scanning and following proper procedures for nontowered airports are the best defenses. Always anticipate that there will be other aircraft near an airport, and you won t be surprised. ASF s Safety Advisor on operations at nontowered airports offers comprehensive guidance on how to fly in that busy airspace. After publishing the Nall Report each year, we look at ASF s mix of educational programs to determine where the emphasis should be made. The needs haven t changed much in the past several years, and ASF will continue to encourage more emphasis on pilot decision making regarding weather.