Summary
A preliminary investigation into a category 4 occurrence that occurred at Sydney Aerodrome on 29 June 2006, which involved a reduction in the required visual separation standard between a departing Boeing Aircraft Company 737 (B737) aircraft and an arriving Robinson Helicopter Company R44 (R44) helicopter, determined that the pilot of the R44 had sight of the B737 at all times, and that there was no risk of a collision between the B737 and the R44.
The inadvertent reduction in the required visual separation standard was as a result of the pilot in command of the R44 misjudging the acceleration of the B737 during its take-off roll. The likely safety outcomes of continued investigation did not warrant further allocation of resources.
Status: Downgraded the occurrence to category 5 and investigation discontinued.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 200603755 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 29/06/2006 |
| Location | Sydney Aero. |
| State | New South Wales |
| Report release date | 30/06/2006 |
| Report status | Discontinued |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Discontinued |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Separation issue |
| Occurrence class | Incident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | The Boeing Company |
|---|---|
| Model | 737 |
| Registration | VH-VOG |
| Serial number | 28644 |
| Operation type | Air Transport High Capacity |
| Departure point | Sydney, NSW |
| Destination | Coolangatta, Qld |
| Damage | Nil |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Robinson Helicopter Co |
|---|---|
| Model | R44 |
| Registration | VH-HCU |
| Serial number | 1560 |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | Unknown |
| Departure point | Unknown |
| Destination | Sydney, NSW |
| Damage | Nil |