A serious near-collision at Ardmore Airport has prompted the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) to call for improvements to aircraft visibility, communication between pilots, and sharing of critical information about operations at busy unattended aerodromes across New Zealand.

TAIC’s report, published at 0500 today, is particularly relevant to pilots, aircraft operators, and aerodrome managers.

On 3 October 2023, a twin-engine Beech Duchess passed within 20 feet of a Cessna 172 while both were on final approach at night. The Cessna pilot initiated a go-around to avoid a potential mid-air collision. Both aircraft landed safely.

The Commission says the pilot of the Beech was unaware how close they were to the Cessna, which was hard to see, despite meeting rules for lighting at night. The two aircraft were following different altitude profiles, one of which was only published in the local operations manual, not in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), on which most pilots rely. And missed radio calls meant a lost opportunity to avoid the close call.

TAIC’s Chief Investigator of Accidents, Naveen Kozhuppakalam, says the TAIC final report is relevant to every unattended aerodrome in New Zealand.

“There are unattended aerodromes all over the country, where pilots rely on aircraft visibility, shared airspace awareness, and good communication to stay safe. When those break down, so does the last line of defence against mid-air collisions,” said Mr Kozhuppakalam.

TAIC has made two formal recommendations to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), calling for it to issue guidance on how to make aircraft easier to see at night—particularly using modern lighting like LEDs, and to require that aerodrome procedures are up to date and available to every pilot via the AIP.

TAIC has previously investigated three fatal mid-air collisions at unattended aerodromes since 2008, each involving breakdowns in radio communication and situational awareness. This latest incident adds urgency to ongoing efforts by the CAA and aviation community to promote safer flying practices.

“This report is essential reading for anyone flying into or managing New Zealand’s busiest unattended aerodromes,” said Mr Kozhuppakalam.

“Night or day, knowing where other aircraft are—and being seen—is non-negotiable.”

The report is available on the TAIC website AO-2023-011 | TAIC

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