Occurrence
On 29 September 2006, a mid-air collision occurred between a Boeing 737-8EH, registration PR-GTD, and an Embraer EMB-135BJ Legacy, registration N600XL. The collision was investigated by the Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA) of the Brazilian Aeronautics. Both aircraft sustained material damage.
Aircraft Information
PR-GTD was a Boeing 737-8EH. N600XL was an Embraer EMB-135BJ Legacy. The investigation included detailed analysis of the Legacy's avionics architecture, particularly the transponder and Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS). Bench tests and integration tests were conducted on the transponder and FMS interface in Phoenix, Arizona.
Investigation
CENIPA examined pilot qualifications, flight planning, and the chronology of events. The flight crews of both aircraft were evaluated. Tests included evaluations at SBCC on 30 September 2006 and 7 October 2006, as well as laboratory tests in Phoenix from 28 November to 1 December 2006 and integration tests from 5 to 9 February 2007. The geometry of the collision was analyzed. Meteorological information and navigation aspects, including ATC symbology and radar integration, were reviewed. Communication analysis was performed on the aeronautical mobile and fixed services.
Findings
The report documented the contributing factors and hypotheses raised but did not state a single probable cause. The investigation focused on the circumstances that contributed to the occurrence, emphasizing that the report is intended for prevention purposes only.