Near collision involving Cessna 172S, VH-KOJ, and Cirrus SR22, VH-XC5, about 21 km south-south-east of Melbourne Airport, Victoria, on 22 January 2026

Summary

The ATSB is investigating a near collision involving Cessna 172S, VH-KOJ, and Cirrus SR22, VH-XC5, about 21 km south-south-east of Melbourne Airport, Victoria, on 22 January 2026.

During cruise, the crew of the Cessna 172S detected the Cirrus SR22 in close proximity on a crossing track. The pilot of the SR22 also identified the conflict and conducted a descent to increase separation. 

The draft report internal review process has been completed. The draft report has been distributed to directly involved parties (DIPs) to check factual accuracy and ensure natural justice. Any submissions from those parties will be reviewed and, where considered appropriate, the draft report will be amended accordingly.

Following the external review process, any submissions and amendments to the draft report are internally reviewed. Once approved, the final report is prepared for publication and dissemination and released to DIPs prior to its public release. 

The 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.