Loss of separation involving a Boeing 747-338, VH-EBW and Boeing 737-476, VH-TJF, 99 km north-west of ATEGA (IFR), Northern Territory, on 12 September 1995

Summary

A Boeing B737 was operating a scheduled flight from Darwin to Brisbane via route A464. The aircraft passed overhead Tindal at 1455, maintaining FL330, estimating the ATEGA waypoint (150 NM north-west of Mount Isa) at 1549. The aircraft was subsequently transferred from Brisbane ATC Sector 11K jurisdiction to Brisbane Sector 11 at 1515. Opposite direction traffic on A464 was a Boeing B747, operating a scheduled flight from Brisbane to Singapore. The aircraft passed overhead Mount Isa at 1430, maintaining FL310, estimating Tindal at 1613, and requesting a flight planned climb to FL350. The aircraft subsequently contacted Brisbane Sector 11 at ATEGA at 1525.

The Sector 11 controller had calculated an estimated time of passing of 1538 for both aircraft and correctly notated both flight progress strips. The B747 was co-ordinated to Sector 11K with the current and planned cruising levels. However, at about 1528, Sector 11 cleared the B747 to climb to FL350. At 1535, the B747 reported maintaining FL350 but one minute later queried opposite direction traffic below. The Sector 11 controller immediately recognised that the prescribed separation standards had not been provided and the B747 had climbed through the level of the B737 about five minutes, or 80 NM, prior to the time of passing.

A subsequent investigation found that the Sector 11 controller had been distracted by resolving a potential separation problem between two other aircraft within his area of responsibility. In addition, he had erroneously judged that all southbound traffic was below the B747, prior to issuing the climb clearance, although the relevant flight progress information available to him did not support this perception. A final opportunity to prevent the occurrence was lost when the crew of the B737 had apparently not recognised that the B747 had been cleared to climb through their level without adequate separation. The B737 had been on the same frequency as the B747 for some 10 mins prior to ATEGA.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199503014
Occurrence date 12/09/1995
Location 99 km north-west of ATEGA (IFR)
State Northern Territory
Report release date 18/10/1996
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 The Boeing Company
Model 737-476
Registration VH-TJF
Sector Jet
Operation type Air Transport High Capacity
Departure point Darwin NT
Destination Brisbane QLD
Damage Nil

Aircraft details

Manufacturer The Boeing Company
Model 747-338
Registration VH-EBW
Sector Jet
Operation type Air Transport High Capacity
Departure point Brisbane QLD
Destination Singapore
Damage Nil

Transmission and gearbox involving a Bell 47G-3B1, VH-ANG, Rolleston (ALA), Queensland, on 28 August 1995

Summary

Soon after lifting off, the helicopter yawed suddenly to the right. There was no response to rudder inputs by the pilot, but he was able to hold the helicopter in a level attitude as it descended to the ground. The main rotor blades came into contact with the boom and both skids were bent during the ground impact. The pilot was able to safely exit the aircraft. Later examination found that the rear most section of the tail rotor drive shaft had disconnected at the tail rotor gearbox input.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199503011
Occurrence date 28/08/1995
Location Rolleston (ALA)
State Queensland
Report release date 25/09/1995
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Transmission and gearbox
Occurrence class Accident

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Bell Helicopter Co
Model 47G-3B1
Registration VH-ANG
Sector Helicopter
Operation type Aerial Work
Departure point Roma QLD
Destination Rolleston QLD
Damage Substantial

Collision with terrain involving a Robinson R22 Beta, VH-AIW, Dynevor Downs (ALA), Queensland, on 12 September 1995

Summary

The helicopter crashed during mustering operations and was found on the edge of a lake by a ground mustering party. The pilot received head injuries and has no recollection of the event. Ground witness marks indicate that the helicopter was travelling rearwards when the right skid dug into the ground. This upset the helicopter and caused the rotor blades to strike the ground.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199502994
Occurrence date 12/09/1995
Location Dynevor Downs (ALA)
State Queensland
Report release date 05/09/1996
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Collision with terrain
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level Serious

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Robinson Helicopter Co
Model R22 Beta
Registration VH-AIW
Sector Helicopter
Operation type Aerial Work
Departure point Dynevor Downs QLD
Destination Dynevor Downs QLD
Damage Substantial

Total power loss involving a Robinson R22 Alpha, VH-SRP, Allandale Station, Queensland, on 12 September 1995

Summary

The pilot reported that the helicopter was being flown at 30 kt, 70 to 100 ft AGL, when the engine suddenly stopped. The helicopter struck trees and landed heavily during the subsequent emergency landing. Inspection of the engine by an engineer found no signs of an engine failure.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199502976
Occurrence date 12/09/1995
Location Allandale Station
State Queensland
Report release date 05/09/1996
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Occurrence class Accident

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Robinson Helicopter Co
Model R22 Alpha
Registration VH-SRP
Sector Helicopter
Operation type Aerial Work
Departure point Allandale QLD
Destination Allandale QLD
Damage Substantial

Loss of control involving a Cessna 172P, VH-NRC, Chillichil Station, New South Wales, on 11 September 1995

Summary

The pilot reported that, prior to take-off, the windsock indicated nil wind. He advised that the take-off roll appeared normal and that the aircraft had became airborne at approximately 50 kts. After lifting off, at a height "well above" the windsock, the aircraft suddenly appeared to lose airspeed. The aircraft then descended to contact the ground nose first and bounced again before coming to rest on the western side of the runway. The total distance from commencement of the take-off roll to where the aircraft came to rest was approximately 900 metres.

Both the pilot and passenger were able to exit the aircraft safely.

Witnesses working near the runway advise the aircraft may have been effected by a gust of wind that passed through at the time.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199502987
Occurrence date 11/09/1995
Location Chillichil Station
State New South Wales
Report release date 07/06/1996
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Loss of control
Occurrence class Accident

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Cessna Aircraft Company
Model 172P
Registration VH-NRC
Sector Piston
Operation type Private
Departure point Chillichil NSW
Damage Substantial

Electrical systems involving a Beech Aircraft Corp C90, VH-FDW, 220 km north-east of Mount Isa Aerodrome, Queensland, on 8 September 1995

Summary

The warning light for the primary electrical inverter illuminated and then re-activated after the stand-by inverter was selected. The pilot decided to return to Mt Isa. A short time later all flight instrument "fail flags" indicated and sparks were observed near the top of the pilot's instrument panel. The avionics master switch was selected off and the aircraft later landed safely.

Later examination found that a section of electrical wiring under the instrument panel had "shorted" and burnt. Both inverters were unserviceable and the 115-volt main fuse was blown. It was determined that the electrical fault was probably initiated by the electrical wiring chaffing and then shorting out.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199502983
Occurrence date 08/09/1995
Location 220 km north-east of Mount Isa Aerodrome
State Queensland
Report release date 25/09/1995
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Occurrence class Incident

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Beech Aircraft Corp
Model C90
Registration VH-FDW
Sector Turboprop
Operation type Medical Transport
Departure point Mt Isa QLD
Destination Normanton QLD
Damage Nil

Hard landing involving a Victa Airtourer 100, VH-MFO, West Sale Aerodrome, Victoria, on 6 September 1995

Summary

The student pilot was on his second solo training flight, having completed a one-hour dual training flight immediately beforehand. He reported that on his last landing, which he considered to have been possibly a little heavy, he had heard a crunching noise from the nose gear. Realising that the nose gear was damaged, he tried to keep the nose up as the aircraft decelerated, hoping to minimise damage to the propeller. However, as the aircraft slowed, the nose dropped, and the propeller struck the runway.

Inspection of the failed nose gear revealed it had failed as a result of the previous heavy landing.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199502969
Occurrence date 06/09/1995
Location West Sale Aerodrome
State Victoria
Report release date 15/09/1995
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Hard landing
Occurrence class Accident

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Victa Ltd
Model Airtourer 100
Registration VH-MFO
Sector Piston
Operation type Flying Training
Departure point West Sale VIC
Destination West Sale VIC
Damage Substantial

Collision on ground involving an Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau K4 Rhonlerche II, VH-XJP, Spring Mount Airstrip, Queensland, on 2 September 1995

Summary

The glider released from the tug at about 500 ft and flew a modified circuit, turning on to final approach at about 150 ft. The pilot attempted to deploy the spoilers but operated the cable release lever by mistake. This resulted in the aircraft overshooting the intended landing point. The pilot continued with the landing. At the completion of the landing roll, as the aircraft was turned off the strip, it collided with a termite mound.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199502954
Occurrence date 02/09/1995
Location Spring Mount Airstrip
State Queensland
Report release date 14/09/1995
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Occurrence class Accident

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau
Model K4 Rhonlerche II
Registration VH-XJP
Sector Other
Operation type Private
Departure point Spring Mount Airstrip QLD
Destination Spring Mount Airstrip QLD
Damage Substantial

Collision on ground involving a de Havilland DH-82A, VH-GVA, Maitland (ALA), New South Wales, on 9 September 1995

Summary

The pilot was hand starting the engine of the unoccupied Tiger Moth. After start the power increased unexpectedly. Although tethered, the aircraft broke free and ran about 20 metres before overturning.

The pilot reported that he had failed to ensure the throttle friction nut had been adequately tightened before attempting the hand start.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199502952
Occurrence date 09/09/1995
Location Maitland (ALA)
State New South Wales
Report release date 26/09/1995
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Occurrence class Accident

Aircraft details

Manufacturer de Havilland Aircraft
Model DH-82A
Registration VH-GVA
Sector Piston
Operation type Private
Departure point Maitland NSW
Destination Maitland NSW
Damage Substantial

Smoke involving a Beech Aircraft Corp 200, VH-XRF, Winton Aerodrome, Queensland, on 8 September 1995

Summary

After take-off at approximately 150 ft above ground level, smoke began to enter the cabin. This was immediately followed by a popping sound and the right engine failed. The pilot shut down the engine, made a Mayday call, and landed the aircraft safely on the departure runway.

Later examination of the engine found that the compressor section had moved rearward and seized. Initial inspection suggests a failure of a compressor bearing support. The engine was later removed and forwarded to the manufacturers overhaul facility in the United States of America.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199502947
Occurrence date 08/09/1995
Location Winton Aerodrome
State Queensland
Report release date 07/06/1996
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Smoke
Occurrence class Incident

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Beech Aircraft Corp
Model 200
Registration VH-XRF
Sector Turboprop
Operation type Air Transport Low Capacity
Departure point Winton
Destination Townsville
Damage Minor