Investigation number
199500109
Occurrence date
State
Tasmania
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Near collision
Occurrence class
Incident

On arrival at Devonport the crew of VH-EKD decided to make an NDB approach. Cloud was present, at or close to the minimum NDB descent altitude. Radio contact was made with two other aircraft, VH-WZJ and VH-MKQ, both of which were departing the MTAF. Separation was established VH-WZJ but no further contact could be made with VH-MKQ, after the initial contact, when the pilot advised he was climbing to 5500 feet. After turning inbound in the approach, separation with VH-WZJ was reaffirmed. A call was then received from VH-NIT advising this aircraft was rolling on runway 32. In response the crew of VH-EKD advised they were established inbound. VH-EKD continued descent to the minima of 830 feet which was maintained until the aircraft was over the NDB. As the crew of VH-EKD was about to commence a missed approach, visual reference was established and VH-NIT was observed approximately 200 feet away to the right and slightly low. A roll to the left was made to increase the separation. VH-EKD continued in visual flight and landed on runway 24. VH-NIT, which was flown by a student pilot, landed on runway 32. The operator of VH-NIT reported that their estimate of the cloud base was 1200 feet. Significant Factors The following factors were considered relevant to the development of the incident: 1. Ineffective communication between the crew of VH-EKD and the pilot of VH-NIT. 2. Inexperienced pilot in VH-NIT who did not comprehend the potential conflict when VH-EKD responded to his "rolling runway 32"call. 3. The NDB approach track at the minima took the aircraft through the circuit pattern. 4. Low cloud/cloud cover resulting in the crew of VH-EKD not having the opportunity to sight the other aircraft until they were in very close proximity to it.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Cessna Aircraft Company
Model
172N
Registration
VH-NIT
Sector
Piston
Departure point
Devonport TAS
Destination
Devonport TAS
Damage
Nil
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Saab Aircraft Co.
Model
SF-340A
Registration
VH-EKD
Sector
Turboprop
Departure point
Melbourne VIC
Destination
Devonport TAS
Damage
Nil