Investigation number
199203065
Occurrence date
Location
100 km east-south-east of Taroom
State
Queensland
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Loss of separation
Occurrence class
Incident

The aircraft was given a requirement to reach FL310 by a specified time (43) in order to gain separation from opposite direction traffic at FL290. After the specified time (at 44) the pilot reported that he was unable to reach FL310 and was unable to maintain FL300. The aircraft was given immediate descent to FL270. Shortly afterwards the pilot advised that he was able to climb to FL310. A procedural breakdown in separation with the opposite direction traffic occurred.

The crew reported that they had maintained the climb rate using the vertical speed of the aircraft autopilot. This had caused the airspeed to decay because the climb performance of the aircraft was unable to sustain the climb rate demanded. It then became necessary for the aircraft to descend in order to regain its speed and performance.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Fokker B.V.
Model
F28 MK 4000
Registration
VH-EWB
Operation type
Air Transport High Capacity
Sector
Jet
Departure point
Mt Isa QLD
Destination
Brisbane QLD
Damage
Nil
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
McDonnell Douglas Corp.
Model
DC-10
Registration
9M-MAS
Operation type
Air Transport High Capacity
Sector
Jet
Departure point
Brisbane QLD
Destination
Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Damage
Nil