ANSP info/procedural error involving a Piper PA-31-350, VH-UBC and Short Bros SD360-300, VH-MJH, 90 km east-north-east of Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, on 2 December 1994

199403623

Summary

The pilot of VH-UBC reported at Rugby at 1725, cruising at 10,000 ft and estimating Holbrook at 1759. The pilot of VH-MJH reported at Yass at 1730 at 10,000 ft and estimating Wagga at 1755. Both aircraft were operating outside controlled airspace and the tracks of the two aircraft crossed.

The two aircraft passed in close proximity. No traffic information had been passed by Melbourne flight service to either aircraft. The flight service position was manned by a trainee under the supervision of a flight service officer who was rated to operate that area. Neither person had noticed the potential conflict.

The area in which the aircraft were operating has a high level of complexity for flight service. The workload at the time was assessed as moderate.

Significant Factor

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

1. Neither the flight service officer nor his trainee detected a situation of potential conflict.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199403623
Occurrence date 02/12/1994
Location 90 km east-north-east of Wagga Wagga
State New South Wales
Report release date 05/01/1995
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category ANSP info/procedural error
Occurrence class Incident

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Piper Aircraft Corp
Model PA-31-350
Registration VH-UBC
Sector Piston
Operation type Charter
Departure point Bathurst NSW
Destination Albury NSW
Damage Nil

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Short Bros Pty Ltd
Model SD360-300
Registration VH-MJH
Sector Turboprop
Operation type Air Transport Low Capacity
Departure point Sydney NSW
Destination Wagga NSW
Damage Nil