Breakdown of co-ordination involving a Boeing 737-476, VH-TJE, Esperance, Western Australia, on 19 May 1993

VH-TJE was enroute Adelaide to Perth. After passing Esperance the pilot requested a change of level to flight level 290. Because the aircraft was less than 15 minutes from the Air Traffic Services (ATS) boundary with Perth, the request for level change was co-ordinated with Perth (ATS). It was during this co-ordination that it was realised that the Esperance position report had not been passed to Perth ATS by Melbourne ATS as required.

The Melbourne air traffic controller on duty when it was realised that the position report had not been passed to Perth ATS had taken over from two other controllers, a training officer and a trainee, who had just been involved in a separate incident and were relieved to explain to the ATS Centre Co-ordinator what had happened.

It has not been determined whether the relieving air traffic controller inherited the problem or whether he failed to pass on the position report. There was no breakdown in separation. Perth ATS was expecting the aircraft. Had the request for change of level not been co-ordinated with Perth, Perth ATS would soon have asked for the position report anyhow.

Significant Factors

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

1. The air traffic controller had just taken over the position.

2. A previous controller may have failed to pass on the position report.

3. An air traffic controller did not comply with laid down procedures.