What happened
Shortly after departure, the flight crew received radar vectors from approach control that placed their aircraft near a VFR reporting point. This location was situated approximately four miles past the departure end of Runway 32 and two miles east of the runway centerline. During this phase of flight, air traffic control issued traffic advisories regarding two other Boeing 747s: one climbing northbound and another departing from Runway 32.
The check pilot in the cockpit confirmed visual contact with the first Boeing 747, which was climbing northbound and passed in front of their aircraft at a lower altitude. Believing the immediate threat had passed, the check pilot loosened his seatbelt to scan for the second Boeing 747 mentioned in the traffic advisory. Moments later, the aircraft sustained a severe jolt that threw the check pilot against the ceiling, resulting in a neck injury.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the departure phase and the coordination between air traffic control and the flight crew. Key findings included the proximity of the aircraft to other heavy jet traffic and the timing of the collision relative to the radar vectors provided. The mechanical integrity of the aircraft was examined post-impact, but the primary focus remained on the operational factors leading to the mid-air encounter.
Findings
Contributing factors identified in the report include the complexity of the departure environment with multiple heavy aircraft operating in close proximity. The check pilot's decision to loosen his seatbelt and visually scan for traffic, while understandable given the traffic advisory, coincided directly with the moment of impact. The collision occurred despite the issuance of traffic advisories, highlighting the limitations of radar-based traffic information in preventing mid-air collisions without visual separation assurance.
Safety message
This incident underscores the critical importance of maintaining proper restraint systems during all phases of flight, particularly during departure and arrival where traffic density is high. Pilots must remain vigilant for potential conflicts even after initial visual acquisition of other aircraft, as traffic patterns can change rapidly in controlled airspace.