Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-83(MD-83) N416NV incident near Apache Junction, Arizona

Probable cause

The failure of the pilots of both airplanes to see and avoid each other and to maneuver as advised by the air traffic controller in time to prevent the conflict that resulted in the reported near midair collision.

NTSB analysis

A Boeing/McDonnell Douglas MD-83 and a Cessna 182 passed within 600 feet vertically and 0.36 nautical miles laterally about 6,300 feet mean sea level. The pilots of both airplanes were in contact with air traffic control. The air traffic controller followed merging target procedures as required by Federal Aviation Administration directives and provided traffic advisories in sufficient time to be useful to both pilots. However, the pilots did not maneuver their airplanes to result in diverging flight paths and the conflict and a traffic alert and collision avoidance system resolution advisory occurred. The dark night conditions may have limited the pilots’ ability to visually identify and avoid approaching the other airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for OPS11IA686 for the full record.