Investigation Summary
The accident occurred at a non-towered airport where pilots are responsible for self-separation using a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF). As Flight 5925 approached Runway 13, two other aircraft—a Beechcraft King Air (N1127D) and a Piper Cherokee (N7646J)—were taxiing to Runway 04. The United Express crew inquired if the King Air would hold short. A simultaneous transmission occurred: the King Air began its takeoff roll without responding, while the pilot of the Cherokee (positioned behind the King Air) transmitted that they were 'holding short.' Due to a Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) '200 feet' altitude callout in the United Express cockpit, the crew only heard the 'holding short' portion of the Cherokee's transmission and mistakenly attributed it to the King Air. Believing the runway intersection was clear, the United Express pilots continued their landing. The two aircraft collided at the intersection, skidding 110 feet before coming to rest. The impact caused a fire, and the United Express airstair door jammed due to airframe deformation, preventing rescue by nearby pilots who reached the scene but could not force the door open.
Final Conclusions
The NTSB determined the probable cause was the failure of the King Air pilots to effectively monitor the CTAF or properly scan for traffic before commencing takeoff. A major contributing factor was the interrupted radio transmission from the Cherokee pilot, which led the United Express crew to believe the King Air was holding short. The severity of the accident was increased by the lack of adequate Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) services at the airport and the failure of the Beechcraft 1900C's door to remain operable after the collision.
Photographic Evidence (1)
Video Analysis
Disaster Strikes as Two Planes Collide on the Same Runway — A detailed look at the 1996 Quincy runway collision, exploring the communication breakdown at the uncontrolled airport and the tragic door failure that prevented evacuation.
If playback is blocked, the owner has disabled embedding — use the link above.
Airframe & Maintenance
United Express (Great Lakes Airlines) 5925 — Beechcraft 1900C · N87GL
Systems & Failure Modes
Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF)
A radio frequency used for air-to-air communication at non-towered airports to coordinate arrivals and departures.
Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS)
An onboard system that provides automated voice alerts; in this case, a '200 feet' altitude callout masked a critical radio transmission.
Airstair Door
The primary entry and exit door for the Beechcraft 1900C, which incorporates built-in steps and a complex locking mechanism that failed under impact stress.
Interesting Facts
- 01All 12 people on Flight 5925 survived the initial collision but died from smoke inhalation.
- 02The King Air was being operated by a student pilot and a retired airline captain acting as an instructor.
- 03Quincy Regional Airport did not have a control tower, requiring pilots to coordinate via CTAF.
- 04The airstair door on the Beechcraft 1900C jammed because the control cables were stretched or displaced by the impact deformation.
- 05The third aircraft involved in the radio misunderstanding was a Piper Cherokee, registration N7646J.
Safety Actions & Advisories
ARFF Requirements
Source ↗The NTSB recommended that the FAA require Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) services at all airports served by scheduled commuter flights with 10 or more seats.
Door Certification Standards
The investigation led to a review of Beechcraft 1900C certification standards regarding door operability after airframe deformation.