Loss of separation involving a Fairchild SA227-DC, VH-KDO and Piper PA-44-180, VH-JQF, 9 km south-east of Melbourne, Victoria, on 6 December 1995

199504169

Summary

The crew of VH-KDO were given a runway 16 Strathbogie standard instrument departure (SID) and were told to maintain 3000 feet. After take-off they were cleared to climb to 4000 feet.

Shortly afterwards, the air traffic controller noticed the transponder mode C altitude readout increase to above 4000 feet. When the crew were queried on the altitude deviation they promptly descended back to 4000 feet. However, a loss of separation occurred with VH-JQF, an Airwork aircraft, tracking in an easterly direction to the south of Melbourne and maintaining 5000 feet.

Significant Factors

The following factors were considered relevant to the development of the incident:

1 The crew of VH-KDO did not maintain the assigned altitude of 4000 feet.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199504169
Occurrence date 06/12/1995
Location 9 km south-east of Melbourne
State Victoria
Report release date 26/03/1996
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 Fairchild Industries Inc
Model SA227-DC
Registration VH-KDO
Sector Turboprop
Operation type Air Transport Low Capacity
Departure point Melbourne Vic
Destination Albury NSW
Damage Nil

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Piper Aircraft Corp
Model PA-44-180
Registration VH-JQF
Sector Piston
Operation type Air Transport Low Capacity
Departure point Melton Vic
Destination Melton Vic
Damage Nil