Loss of separation involving a Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd 1124, VH-AJJ and The Boeing Company 747, 9M-MPG, 4 km south-south-east of Sydney Aerodrome, New South Wales, on 6 January 1998

199800051

Summary

VH-AJJ, a Westwind, departed Sydney runway 16L on a COOKS ONE standard instrument departure (SID) for a maintenance test flight. The SID required the aircraft to turn left on reaching 500 ft. Radar observation, however, indicated that the aircraft remained on runway heading and did not comply with the SID. The departures controller instructed the pilot to turn left immediately as there was an international B747 departing from runway 16R on a GUEST TWO SID. The tower had both aircraft in sight at all times but there was a breakdown in separation.

The operator of VH-AJJ reported that the flight test was to observe the operation of the aircraft's pressurisation system. The pilot was aware of the departing B747 from the parallel runway but was intent on cabin and engine instruments during the initial climb. He realised he had failed to comply with the SID when he was instructed to turn left.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199800051
Occurrence date 06/01/1998
Location 4 km south-south-east of Sydney Aerodrome
State New South Wales
Report release date 25/03/1998
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 Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd
Model 1124
Registration VH-AJJ
Sector Jet
Departure point Sydney NSW
Destination Sydney NSW
Damage Nil

Aircraft details

Manufacturer The Boeing Company
Model 747
Registration 9M-MPG
Sector Jet
Operation type Air Transport High Capacity
Departure point Sydney NSW
Destination Melbourne Vic.
Damage Nil