Summary
On departure the pilot of VH-DXI requested climb to amended altitude 10,000. Due to another aircraft just ahead at 8000 feet the controller issued a clearance to climb to amended altitude 7000 feet. On climb the pilot's attention was diverted when a passenger spoke to him. The aircraft had climbed to almost 8000 feet when the controller queried the pilot on his altitude. The pilot apologised and descended back to 7000 feet. The longitudinal separation at the time was four miles, instead of the required five miles.
Significant Factor
The following factor was considered relevant to the development of the incident:
1. The pilot inadvertently climbed the aircraft above the altitude he was cleared to.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199403817 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 18/12/1994 |
| Location | Seymour |
| State | Victoria |
| Report release date | 17/01/1995 |
| 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 | R182 |
| Registration | VH-UOE |
| Sector | Piston |
| Departure point | Parkes NSW |
| Destination | Geelong VIC |
| Damage | Nil |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Piper Aircraft Corp |
|---|---|
| Model | PA-31T2 |
| Registration | VH-DXI |
| Sector | Turboprop |
| Departure point | Mangalore VIC |
| Destination | Essendon VIC |
| Damage | Nil |