Aviation safety investigations & reports
Separation occurrence involving Airbus A320, VH-VGP, and Jabiru J230-D, 24-7456, near Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, New South Wales, on 28 November 2020
AO-2020-062

Summary
The ATSB is investigating a separation occurrence involving a Jetstar Airbus A320, registered VH-VGP, and a privately operated Jabiru J230-D, registered 24-7456, near Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, New South Wales (NSW), on 28 November 2020.
While the A320 was approaching runway 06 to land at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, the J230-D was tracking south toward Evans Head Airport, NSW. About 22 km south-west of Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, the two aircraft's flight paths intersected, resulting in the reported generation of a traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) traffic advisory indication to the Jetstar crew. The A320 passed beneath the J230-D and continued to Ballina.
The evidence collection phase of the investigation will include reviewing recorded communications and flight data, and interviews with the flight crew.
A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.
General details
Date: | 28 November 2020 | Investigation status: | Active | ||
Time: | 11:29 EST | Investigation level: | Defined - click for an explanation of investigation levels | ||
Location (show map): | 22 km south-west of Ballina Byron Gateway Airport | Investigation phase: | Evidence collection | ||
State: | New South Wales | Occurrence type: | Separation issue | ||
Occurrence category: | Incident | ||||
Report status: | Pending | Highest injury level: | None | ||
Anticipated completion: | 4th Quarter 2021 |
Aircraft 1 details
Aircraft manufacturer | Airbus | |
---|---|---|
Aircraft model | A320-232 | |
Aircraft registration | VH-VGP | |
Serial number | 4343 | |
Operator | Jetstar Airways | |
Type of operation | Air Transport High Capacity | |
Sector | Jet | |
Damage to aircraft | Nil | |
Departure point | Melbourne, Victoria | |
Destination | Ballina, New South Wales |
Aircraft 2 details
Aircraft manufacturer | Jabiru Aircraft Pty Ltd | |
---|---|---|
Aircraft model | J230-D | |
Aircraft registration | 24-7456 | |
Serial number | J736 | |
Type of operation | Private | |
Sector | Piston | |
Damage to aircraft | Nil | |
Departure point | Heck Field, Queensland | |
Destination | Evans Head, New South Wales |