On 5 January 2007, a Piper PA-28R-201 Arrow, registered VH-TBB, was approaching Port Macquarie Airport, NSW, in class G airspace under the visual flight rules from the south. The aircraft had descended from 2,500 ft above mean sea level and was approaching to join the circuit on left crosswind for runway 03. At about the same time, a de Havilland Dash 8 aircraft, registered VH-TQZ, and a Piper PA-31 Mojave, registered VH-PGW, both operating under the instrument flight rules, were preparing to depart from the airport. The airspace surrounding Port Macquarie Airport was designated as a common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) (R), where the carriage and use of very high frequency radio was required.
On short final for runway 03, the pilot of the Arrow reported seeing the Dash 8 enter the runway. He immediately broadcast his position and prepared to initiate a missed approach. The crew of the Dash 8 saw the approaching Arrow at the same time as the Arrow pilot's broadcast. They advised that they would vacate the runway without delay, vacating via taxiway B1 as the Mojave pilot manoeuvred his aircraft to assist the Dash 8's runway departure. The pilot of the Arrow continued his approach and landed.
