Near collision involving GippsAero GA8, VH-LVA, and Lockheed C-130, N382CG, about 125 km north-north-east of Albany Airport, Western Australia, on 16 December 2025

The ATSB is investigating a near collision during aerial firefighting operations involving a GippsAero GA8, registration VH-LVA, and a Lockheed C-130, registration N382CG, about 125 km north-north-east of Albany Airport, Western Australia, on 16 December 2025.

It was reported that the Lockheed C-130 came into close proximity with the GA8 on a reciprocal track. The crew of the GA8 received a traffic alert and manoeuvred to increase separation.

To date, the ATSB investigation has included:

• interviewing the flight crew and air attack supervisors
• examining available ADS-B data
• collection of procedures and training material.

In the course of the investigation, the ATSB has identified potential limitations in risk controls / organisational factors that potentially contributed to the occurrence. Examination of these factors represent a significant increase in the scope of this investigation, and it has been upgraded from Short to Defined as a result (the ATSB's different levels of investigation are detailed here).

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.