Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) crash, Apr 4, 1991 (3 killed)
Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) accident on April 4, 1991 near Merion, Pennsylvania, United States with 3 fatalities. Cause: Midair collision...
- Date: April 4, 1991
- Aircraft: Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601)
- Location: Merion, Pennsylvania, United States
- Fatalities: 3
- Phase of flight: Approach and landing
- Cause: Midair collision during a close joinup. The Aerostar captain allowed an in-flight nose gear inspection, the helicopter crew converged closely, and neither crew had training for close-proximity flying. The NTSB also cited the operator's training and FAA surveillance.
A Piper PA-61 Aerostar operated by Lycoming Air Service collided with a Bell 412 helicopter during joinup near Merion, Pennsylvania, on 4 April 1991. The Aerostar's nose gear indication was unclear, and the captain allowed an in-flight inspection, during which the helicopter closed alongside it. Both aircraft crashed, killing all occupants, and two schoolchildren on the ground also died.