History of Flight
On April 3, 2016, at about 0945 EDT, N57GX, a Mooney M20P, was climbing through 7,500 feet for 9,000 feet when it executed an evasive maneuver in response to a traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) alert from N758PK, a Cessna C172G, level at 8,000 feet. N57GX turned left and crossed below and in front of N758PK; the closest proximity was estimated to be 0.85 NM and 200 feet. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and instrument flight plans were filed for both aircraft under 14 CFR Part 91. N57GX originated from Ocala International Airport (OCF), Florida, en route to Page Field Airport (FMY), Florida. N758PK originated from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), Florida, en route to Athens Ben Epps Airport (MLJ), Georgia. No damage occurred to either aircraft, and no injuries were reported.
At 0935:01, the pilot of N57GX contacted Jacksonville approach control, reporting departure from OCF and climbing from 1,700 feet to 2,000 feet on an instrument flight plan. The controller verified the squawk code and instructed a change to 7342. At 0936:48, the pilot requested to return on course and climb to 9,000 feet. The controller cleared N57GX direct Lakeland and climbed to 5,000 feet, later to 9,000 feet, with correct readbacks.
At 0939:46, the pilot of N57GX asked the controller if he had seen traffic he had to avoid. The controller stated the traffic was no factor, but the pilot disagreed, describing evasive maneuvers. The controller noted additional traffic. At 0946:05, a conflict alert (CA) activated between the two aircraft and continued until 0947:05.
At 0947:09, the pilot of N57GX called the controller, stating the controller missed the traffic. The controller responded that he saw it. The pilot questioned why he was not advised. The controller directed him to contact Tampa approach. The pilot expressed dissatisfaction with the service before changing frequency.
Radar Data
Radar data from the FAA Jacksonville Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) was of good quality. The data was plot playback derived from the Gainesville (GNV) radar sensor as part of the Standard Automation Replacement System (STARS), which provided a fused radar picture. The system was in fused mode on the incident date.
Weather Information
The closest weather reporting station was the Villages Heliport (19FL), Belleview, Florida. The ASOS weather at 1335 UTC (0935 EDT) reported: wind 320° at 7 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, temperature 17°C, dew point 6°C, altimeter 30.01 inHg.
FAA Air Traffic Control Procedures
FAA JO 7110.65 prescribes air traffic control procedures. Required lateral radar separation in fused mode is 3 miles (or 5 miles with ISR in data block). Vertical separation minima for IFR aircraft up to FL 410 is 1,000 feet. Controllers must issue safety alerts if an aircraft is in unsafe proximity to terrain, obstructions, or other aircraft.