Investigation number
AO-2010-074
Occurrence date
Location
near Ballina/Byron Gateway Aerodrome
State
New South Wales
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation level
Short
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Near collision
Occurrence class
Serious Incident
Highest injury level
None

On 6 October 2010, at about 1200 Eastern Daylight Time[1], a Beech Aircraft Corp 76 (Duchess), registered VH-RUA, was conducting an area navigation global navigation satellite system (RNAV (GNSS)) approach to runway 24 at Ballina/Byron Gateway aerodrome, New South Wales (NSW). While flying the approach, the Duchess came into close proximity with a Cessna Aircraft Company 182L (C182), registered VH-UCW, which was conducting circuits on runway 24.

The lateral separation between the aircraft was estimated at 50 m; with the Duchess behind, and 50 ft below the C182 with a closing speed estimated at 40 kts. The instructor in the Duchess performed an evasive manoeuvre to avoid a potential collision with the C182.

The pilots from both aircraft reported making the required radio transmissions and monitoring the appropriate common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF), however they were not aware of each others' presence until the incident occurred. After the incident, the pilots in the C182 determined that their radio was neither transmitting nor receiving.

Flights conducted at non-towered aerodromes are not provided with a traffic separation service from air traffic control. Consequently, maintaining separation is the pilot's responsibility.

To maintain separation, it is imperative that pilots utilise alerted and unalerted see-and-avoid principals to enhance situational awareness. The effective use of aerodrome frequency response units (AFRU) and anti-collision lighting can contribute to pilot's situational awareness at non-towered aerodromes.


[1] The 24-hour clock is used in this report to describe the local time of day, Eastern Daylight Time, as particular events occurred. Eastern Daylight Time was Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) +11 hours.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Beech Aircraft Corp
Model
76
Registration
VH-RUA
Serial number
ME-16
Operation type
Flying Training
Sector
Piston
Departure point
Gold Coast Airport, Qld
Damage
Nil
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Cessna Aircraft Company
Model
C182
Registration
VH-UCW
Serial number
18258692
Operation type
Flying Training
Sector
Piston
Departure point
Ballina/Byron Gateway Airport, NSW
Destination
Ballina/Byron Gateway Airport, NSW
Damage
Nil