Summary
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.
The ATSB has completed the evidence collection and analysis phases of the investigation and is drafting the final report.
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.
Last updated:
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | AO-2026-001 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 16/12/2025 |
| Occurrence time and timezone | 08:07 UTC |
| Location | About 125 km north-north-east of Albany Airport |
| State | Western Australia |
| Report status | Pending |
| Anticipated completion | Q4 2026 |
| Investigation level | Defined |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation phase | Final report: Drafting |
| Investigation status | Active |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | ACAS warning, Near collision |
| Occurrence class | Serious Incident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
|---|---|
| Model | C-130H |
| Registration | N382CG |
| Serial number | 382-4336 |
| Aircraft operator | Coulson Aviation |
| Sector | Turboprop |
| Operation type | Part 138 Aerial work operations |
| Activity | General aviation / Recreational-Aerial work-Firefighting |
| Departure point | Busselton Airport, Western Australia |
| Destination | Busselton Airport, Western Australia |
| Injuries | None |
| Damage | Nil |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Gippsland Aeronautics Pty Ltd |
|---|---|
| Model | GA-8 |
| Registration | VH-LVA |
| Serial number | GA8-05-079 |
| Aircraft operator | Helicopter Logistics Pty Ltd |
| Sector | Piston |
| Operation type | Part 138 Aerial work operations |
| Activity | General aviation / Recreational-Aerial work-Firefighting |
| Departure point | Albany Airport, Western Australia |
| Injuries | None |
| Damage | Nil |