AO-2005-001

On Friday 7 January 2005, at 1852, ZK-KFB, a Gulfstream G-IV, and ZK-FTR, a Piper PA 28, came into close proximity 10 nautical miles south of Taupo Aerodrome, during their instrument approaches to the aerodrome. On board ZK-KFB were 5 passengers, a flight attendant and 2 pilots. On board ZK-FTR were a passenger and the pilot.

Both aeroplanes were in uncontrolled airspace and flying different published instrument approaches to the aerodrome in visual meteorological conditions, when ZK-FTR descended through the altitude of ZK-KFB and came within one nautical mile of ZK-KFB. Following traffic alert and collision avoidance system traffic advisories, the crew of ZK-KFB abandoned their instrument approach and continued visually to land. Although the pilot of ZK-FTR was aware of ZK-KFB and had kept the aeroplane in sight, he did not maintain adequate separation on ZK KFB or communicate his intentions clearly to its crew.

A safety issue identified was the need for pilots carrying out instrument approaches in uncontrolled airspace to the same aerodrome to be aware that they were to mutually coordinate and maintain their own proper separation. A safety recommendation was made to the Director of Civil Aviation to remind pilots about this issue.