Executive summary
An Air New Zealand B737 was on final approach to runway 16, at Wellington Airport when a Piper PA38 Tomahawk was cleared to cross from Wellington City to Petone, maintaining visual separation. The aircraft converged until a loss of separation occurred. Both aircraft were flying in visual meteorological conditions (VMC). The pilot of the Tomahawk attempted to take evasive action. The aircraft passed in opposite directions with about 350 m between them. None of the 68 persons on board the aircraft were injured.
Related Recommendations
Investigate system deficiencies disclosed by air miss incidents having an element of pilot error, with a view to devising systems that are error tolerant.
Require that proposed new procedures, or changes to procedures, be reviewed and incorporated in the Manual of Air Traffic Services prior to implementation.
Institute independent inspections of the Airways Corporation's operations where in the opinion of one of the pilots a collision was likely to have occurred if avoiding action has not been taken, irrespective of the cause attributed by the Airways Corporation.
Require controllers to desist from issuing clearances by visual separation where only one pilot has sighted the other aircraft, unless that pilot is behind the lateral axis of the other aircraft.
Institute regular inspection of the Airways Corporation's operations, as recommended by the Swedavia Report.
Require the Airways Corporation to ensure that, before new procedures are implemented, they are incorporated in the Manual of Air Traffic Services.
Require the Airways Corporation to desist from giving clearances by visual separation where only on pilot has the other aircraft in sight, and the "following" aircraft is not behind the lateral axis of the other aircraft.
Require controllers to comply strictly with provisions of the Manual of Air Traffic Services.
Require the Airways Corporation to ensure that its staff comply with the requirements of the Manual of Air Traffic Services.