Investigation number
199203060
Occurrence date
State
Queensland
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence class
Incident

Due to smoke haze conditions, the senior tower controller had advised other controlling agencies some hours previously that the tower could not exercise visual separation in the circuit area. Aircraft were being provided with radar separation for landing. When the two subject aircraft were approaching for a landing on runway 14, the slower aircraft was in front. That aircraft was asked to maintain its best possible speed and the following aircraft was slowed as much as possible. Separation reduced to below the radar limit when the aircraft were on final approach, with the second aircraft still unable to see the aircraft in front, about three miles ahead. Both aircraft landed safely. The approach controller had not taken sufficient action to ensure that the aircraft were adequately separated during the approach to land. FACTORS 1. Smoke haze reduced visibility. 2. The approach controller did not provide adequate separation to the landing aircraft.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Short Bros Pty Ltd
Model
SD330
Registration
VH-KNQ
Sector
Turboprop
Departure point
Maroochydore QLD
Destination
Brisbane QLD
Damage
Nil
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
The Boeing Company
Model
737-377
Registration
VH-CZF
Sector
Jet
Departure point
Cairns QLD
Destination
Brisbane QLD
Damage
Nil