Private Pilot Private Exam

What is the primary factor that contributes to most midair collision accidents?

1. Clear days

2. Cloudy nights

3. Foggy conditions

4. Heavy traffic

The correct answer is: Clear days

The primary factor that contributes to most midair collision accidents is often heavy traffic. These collisions typically occur in busy airspace where many aircraft are operating simultaneously. During times of increased air traffic, such as around major airports or during specific events, the likelihood of aircraft being in close proximity to one another increases. Clear weather conditions can often lead to more aircraft operating simultaneously since pilots are more likely to venture out when the visibility is good, thus contributing to the increased risk of midair collisions. While weather conditions such as cloudy nights or foggy conditions can complicate visibility and contribute to other types of accidents, they do not directly correlate with a higher frequency of midair collisions compared to traffic density.