Investigation number
199600816
Occurrence date
State
Victoria
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Loss of separation
Occurrence class
Incident

A breakdown in separation occurred between two VFR aircraft, a twin Comanche cleared Station Pier for Essendon at 1,500 ft and a helicopter cleared World Trade Centre for Essendon on climb to not above 1,500 ft. Essendon Tower passed traffic to each aircraft but the helicopter pilot claimed not to have heard advice on the Comanche. The Comanche pilot never saw the helicopter whereas the helicopter pilot saw the Comanche pass about 200 ft overhead. Significant Factors The following factors were considered relevant to the development of the incident: 1. Both aircraft were cleared at the same altitude. 2. The two pilots did not take adequate action to ensure separation was maintained. 3. Air traffic control did not provide sufficient information to the two pilots to assist them to sight each other's aircraft.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Agusta, S.p.A, Construzioni Aeronautiche
Model
A109A II
Registration
VH-TMA
Sector
Helicopter
Departure point
World Trade Centre VIC
Destination
Essendon Vic
Damage
Nil
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Piper Aircraft Corp
Model
PA-39
Registration
VH-TPS
Sector
Piston
Departure point
Hamilton Vic
Destination
Essendon Vic
Damage
Nil