Incident Overview
On an unspecified date, a Federal Express DC-10-10F (flight FDX3207) and an American International Airways Lockheed L-1011-385-1-15 (flight CKS303) experienced a near mid-air collision approximately 30 miles west of Salina, Kansas. The aircraft passed with an estimated 1/2 mile horizontal separation and 0 feet vertical separation. No damage was sustained by either aircraft.
ATC Errors
The FAA issued a Final Operational Error/Deviation Report detailing two controller errors. One controller "dropped the data block on FDX3207 without transferring communications" to the next controller. Another controller "issued CKS303 a frequency change to 125.67 instead of the correct frequency of 127.65." The CKS303 crew acknowledged the incorrect frequency by reading back "125.67." Both aircraft subsequently became NORDO (no radio), and ATC was unable to reestablish radio communications despite multiple attempts.
Pilot Observations and Actions
The first officer of CKS303 reported seeing the DC-10 at their 8 o'clock position, approximately 1/2 mile away and at the same altitude. He executed a 30-degree right turn. The pilots of FDX3207 did not see the L-1011 but reported feeling its wake turbulence.
Regulatory Context
Current FAA regulations did not require cargo-only aircraft to be equipped with any version of Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS).
Conclusion
The incident resulted in no injuries or damage. The FAA report documented the controller errors and the loss of radio communication.