Loss of separation involving a Cessna 172N, VH-JEB and Boeing 737-33A, VH-CZU, 14 km west-north-west of Melbourne, Victoria, on 7 September 1994

199402575

Summary

An unidentified aircraft, later identified as VH-JEB, was observed inside the Melbourne control zone in the Sunbury area on a south-south-easterly heading. The mode C readout showed the aircraft was at 1900 feet. At the same time, VH-CZU was becoming airborne from runway 27 on an "Avoca one" departure. VH-CZU was instructed to maintain runway heading and asked to look for the other aircraft. The crew of VH-CZU sighted VH-JEB and passed two miles in front of it and 200 feet higher.

The pilot of VH-JEB reported that he had become distracted after initiating a diversion back to Essendon due to concern about fuel reserves. He was conducting a solo navigation training exercise.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199402575
Occurrence date 07/09/1994
Location 14 km west-north-west of Melbourne
State Victoria
Report release date 30/09/1994
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Loss of separation
Occurrence class Incident

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Cessna Aircraft Company
Model 172N
Registration VH-JEB
Sector Piston
Departure point Unknown
Destination Essendon VIC
Damage Nil

Aircraft details

Manufacturer The Boeing Company
Model 737-33A
Registration VH-CZU
Sector Jet
Operation type Air Transport High Capacity
Departure point Melbourne VIC
Destination Adelaide SA
Damage Nil