Is See-And-Avoid Dead?

In August 8, 2009, a Piper PA-32R-300 Lance and a Eurocopter AS350BA collided over the Hudson River between New Jersey and Manhattan. The pilot and two passengers aboard the airplane, and the pilot and five passengers aboard the air-tour helicopter were killed. Both aircraft were substantially damaged. On September 14, 2010, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) held a public hearing to approve its probable cause finding. The NTSB determined "the inherent limitations of the see-and-avoid concept...made it difficult for the airplane pilot to see the helicopter until the final seconds before the collision." The NTSB also found fault with a Teterboro Airport (TEB) tower controller, who was on a personal telephone call as the Piper departed the facility.

Key Takeaways:

• A 2009 mid-air collision over the Hudson River killed nine, with the NTSB controversially citing "inherent limitations of the see-and-avoid concept" as the primary probable cause.
• This NTSB finding was disputed, as it seemingly prioritized "see-and-avoid" over significant air traffic control failures, including a controller distracted by a personal phone call who failed to correct a crucial frequency error and provide advisories.
• Other factors, such as both aircraft having collision avoidance technology (TIS) that failed to prevent the accident, were also present. In response to the collision, the FAA swiftly implemented new airspace rules and pilot training for the Hudson River area.

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