The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating a separation issue involving two aircraft, a Moorabbin Aviation Services PA-44-180 and a Babcock Mission Critical Services AW139 above Mangalore Airport, Victoria on 6 June 2021.

At 1556, the AW139 was flying southbound toward Mangalore at 3,100 feet above mean sea level. At the same time, the PA-44 was conducting a practice instrument approach to Mangalore. The PA-44 commenced a missed approach from below 3,000 feet in a northerly direction toward Mangalore and the pilot broadcast that the aircraft would climb to 3,900 feet. Shortly after the PA-44 began climbing, the pilot of the AW139 received a traffic collision and avoidance (TCAS) alert and manoeuvred the aircraft to increase separation between the two aircraft. Both flights continued without further incident.

The evidence collection phase of the investigation will include reviewing recorded communications, air traffic control surveillance data and weather information and interviews with the flight crews.

A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so that appropriate safety action can be taken.