Loss of separation involving a Piper Aircraft Corp PA-28R-200, VH-WMJ and Douglas Aircraft Company C-47, Unknown, 55 km E of Wagga, NSW on 15 April 1994

VH-WMJ was tracking from 18 miles south-east of Wagga direct to Young, descending from 8000 ft to 7000 ft. A RAAF DC3, Tester 922, was tracking from over Wee Jasper to over Wagga at 8000 ft . The crew of Tester 922 called Wagga Tower at 33 miles requesting clearance to enter the control area. This position was 2 miles inside the control area and a clearance to enter had not been previously requested or given. Although the aircraft were well clear of each other the separation standards were infringed. Significant factors The following factors were considered relevant to the development of the incident: 1 The crew of Tester 922 did not follow required procedures and obtain a clearance prior to entry into controlled airspace.