What happened
On May 11, 2000, an offshore passenger flight operated by HKS 488, a Eurocopter AS 3HT2, was descending to 1,000 feet for a visual approach to runway 25 at Kristiansund airport Kvernberget. Simultaneously, an EH 101 utility helicopter, registration IL-IOI, was approaching the terminal area on a VFR flight plan.
While the air traffic controller monitored the tracks via radar, the two aircraft converged on a conflicting path. The crew of IL-IOI was navigating near the airport and became aware of a departing Fokker 50, but they were unaware of the approaching HKS 488. The pilot of HKS 488 eventually spotted IL-IOI at a distance of approximately 2 NM and performed a right-hand turn to avoid a collision. No injuries or aircraft damage were reported.
The investigation
The investigation examined the coordination between the air traffic controller and the aircraft crews, as well as the effectiveness of radar monitoring in Class D airspace. Investigators looked into the movement of IL-IOI through the traffic pattern and the controller's use of the radar Prediction Line (PL). It was noted that while the radar indicated the tracks would cross safely, the VFR nature of IL-IOI's flight meant the aircraft could deviate from its predicted path. The investigation also reviewed the communication between the tower and the departing Fokker 50, which served as a momentary position check for the controller.
Findings
- The controller relied too heavily on radar predictions for VFR traffic, which does not maintain a fixed heading.
- The crew of IL-IOI did not report passing the BRS waypoint as instructed, leading to a deviation from the expected track.
- The crew of IL-IOI failed to observe the approaching HKS 488 due to a lack of situational awareness regarding local traffic.
- The controller did not provide specific traffic information regarding HKS 488 to the crew of IL-IOI.
- The crew of IL-IOI had not sufficiently reviewed VFR charts or local navigation points, increasing the workload for air traffic services.
Safety action
While no specific formal recommendations were listed as completed, the investigation emphasized that in Class D airspace, controllers must take an active role in providing traffic information to both IFR and VFR flights. The incident highlights the necessity of maintaining high levels of airmanship and vigilance, as rules and procedures alone cannot guarantee separation in a "see and avoid" environment.