Incident Overview
RANSOM Flight 444, a DHC-7, reported a near collision with a United States Air Force C-141, call sign GLEEK 41. The incident occurred when Flight 444 was at 5,000 feet and GLEEK 41 was climbing to 7,500 feet after a combat aircrew training (CAT) maneuver. Flight 444 was under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) control of McGuire Air Force Base Radar Approach Control (RAPCON). GLEEK 41 was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and receiving radar advisories from RAPCON.
Sequence of Events
The CAT maneuver involved GLEEK 41 taking off from Runway 36 at McGuire AFB and simulating a VFR approach and departure from a hostile airport environment. To stay within allocated airspace, GLEEK 41 was expected to execute a left climbing departure. The RAPCON controller, who lacked familiarity with the CAT maneuver, approved a climb to 7,500 feet. He noted Flight 444 approaching from the west and issued a traffic advisory, instructing GLEEK 41 to turn right to a heading of 090 degrees. By that time, GLEEK 41 was already in a left turn, climbing at approximately 3,000 feet per minute.
Another traffic advisory was given, and GLEEK 41 was told to level off at 4,500 feet. However, it reached about 5,000 feet and converged with Flight 444 before the ascent was arrested. The RAPCON radar (GPN-12/PIDP) lacked a conflict alert function. The C-141 crew did not see the DHC-7. The DHC-7 crew reported that the camouflaged C-141 blended with the background.
Injuries and Damage
As the two aircraft maneuvered to avoid a collision, the flight attendant and one passenger on the DHC-7 were injured. No other injuries or damage were reported in the source.
Controller and Radar Details
The RAPCON controller was unfamiliar with the CAT maneuver but approved the climb to 7,500 feet. He issued traffic advisories and instructions. The radar system did not have a conflict alert function.
Pilot Observations
The DHC-7 crew visually acquired the C-141 and noted its camouflage made it blend with the background. The C-141 crew did not see the DHC-7.