Near collision between de Havilland DHC-8, VH-QQF, and Aeroprakt A22LS, 23-8793, 18 km west of Townsville Airport, Queensland, on 1 October 2026

Summary

The ATSB is investigating a near collision involving de Havilland DHC-8 (Dash 8), registration VH-QQF, and an Aeroprakt A22LS, registration 23-8793, 18 km west of Townsville Airport, Queensland, on 1 October 2026.

The investigation is being conducted under the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 with joint expertise from the ATSB and Defence Flight Safety Bureau (DFSB). The ATSB Commission remains responsible for the investigation and will release a report under section 25 of the Act.

The Dash 8 was operating as Skytrans flight 710, scheduled from Kidston to Townsville, Queensland. When approximately 15 NM west of the airport, the Dash 8 was cleared by the Townsville approach controller for a visual approach to runway 07.

At this time the Aeroprakt was conducting a training flight approximately 10 NM west of the airport and was advised by the controller to remain outside controlled airspace. The controller also provided the Aeroprakt pilot traffic information about the Dash 8 and advised the pilot to sight and follow the Dash 8.

The Aeroprakt pilot reportedly did not sight the Dash 8 until the aircraft were approximately 0.6 NM apart, at the same altitude and on a converging flight path. The distance between the two aircraft reduced to 0.3 NM before the Dash-8 descended rapidly. The Dash 8 flight crew advised they had descended in response to a Traffic collision avoidance system resolution advisory (TCAS RA).

To date, the ATSB investigation has included:

• interviewing involved parties
• retrieving and reviewing recorded data
• and the collection of other relevant information.

The ATSB has commenced the examination and analysis of the initial evidence collected. 

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.