What happened
On 21 November 1992, during the Air Expo 92 event held at Auckland International Airport, a dangerous close proximity incident occurred between two different aircraft types. A formation of RNZAF Skyhawk military jets and an Embraer 110 Bandeirante experienced an airmiss while operating within the same controlled airspace.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the operational environment of the airshow and the coordination between military and civil aviation authorities. Investigators examined the protocols used to communicate airshow arrangements to both air traffic control officers and individual military pilots. The inquiry also looked into the management of the airspace, specifically regarding the simultaneous operation of display aircraft and non-display aircraft within the designated airshow area.
Findings
Several critical safety concerns were identified regarding the management of the event. A primary factor was the failure to strictly observe speed restrictions for military aircraft operating within controlled airspace. Additionally, the investigation highlighted deficiencies in the supervision provided by the Civil Aviation Authority and the adequacy of the documentation used for airshow approvals.
Further issues were noted regarding the coordination of the RNZAF display director and their role in controlling military display aircraft. The investigation also raised questions about the sufficiency of the provisions made for air traffic control during the event and the risks associated with allowing non-display aircraft to operate in the same airspace as the aerial displays.