Loss of separation involving a Nanchang CJ-6, VH-NNC and Cessna 172N, VH-LJD, 12 km north-east of Canberra, New South Wales, on 8 October 1994

199402975

Summary

VH-LJD was inbound to Canberra from the north-east at 3500 feet. VH-NNC departed from runway 30 at Canberra and made a right turn on climb to 4000 feet, tracking to the east. The tracks of the two aircraft crossed. Subsequently VH-NNC was cleared to climb to 7000 feet.

An actual altitude obtained from the pilot of VH-NNC indicated the mode C read out of altitude was 500 feet low. The pilot was told of this, and air traffic control used the pilot altitude reports for the separation of VH-NNC from VH-LJD.

After the two aircraft had passed the pilot of VH-NNC advised that he had misread his altimeter and that the mode C altitude was in fact correct. At the time the two aircraft passed the vertical separation by radar was 200 feet.

Significant Factor

The following factor was considered relevant to the development of the incident:

1. The pilot of VH-NNC misread his altimeter.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199402975
Occurrence date 08/10/1994
Location 12 km north-east of Canberra
State New South Wales
Report release date 10/11/1994
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Loss of separation
Occurrence class Incident

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Cessna Aircraft Company
Model 172N
Registration VH-LJD
Sector Piston
Operation type Flying Training
Departure point Cootamundra NSW
Destination Canberra ACT
Damage Nil

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Nanchang Aircraft
Model CJ-6
Registration VH-NNC
Sector Piston
Operation type Flying Training
Departure point Canberra ACT
Destination Canberra ACT
Damage Nil