Were there any fatalities in the 2016-09-22 Cessna Aircraft Company 210M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-09-22 involved a Cessna Aircraft Company 210M, registration VH-SQT, at Jabiru Aerodrome, S 49 km (Double Falls), Northern Territory.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

These findings should not be read as apportioning blame or liability to any particular organisation or individual. The aircraft were at the same altitude on reciprocal tracks on published FNA scenic routes and came into close proximity because the pilots were not aware of each other due to ineffective communication.

Near Collision Between Two Aircraft in Scenic Flight Area (VH-SQT)

On September 22, 2016, a Cessna Aircraft Company 210M (registration VH-SQT) was involved in an aviation accident near Jabiru Aerodrome, S 49 km (Double Falls), Northern Territory. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: These findings should not be read as apportioning blame or liability to any particular organisation or individual. This summary draws on records from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).

A north-tracking SQT and south-tracking KNB nearly collided. The pilot of KNB missed SQT's initial broadcast, possibly due to radio congestion and lack of route detail.

Incident Overview

A north-tracking aircraft (SQT) and a south-tracking aircraft (KNB) experienced a near collision in a scenic flight area. The pilot of SQT broadcast their position when departing Jim Jim Falls for Double Falls. However, the pilot of KNB did not hear that transmission, possibly because they were communicating with another company pilot on a different radio. As a result, the pilot of KNB was not aware of SQT's presence until after the near collision, when the pilot of SQT broadcast again.

Communication Aspects

According to the pilot of KNB, the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) was busy, as it covers a large area. This may have contributed to the missed communication. Additionally, the pilot of KNB did not include "via Lightning Dreaming" in their departure broadcast when departing Jabiru Aerodrome. While including that route detail was not mandatory, it could have alerted the pilot of SQT to the fact that two aircraft were tracking in opposite directions on reciprocal routes at the same altitude.

Operational Details

Both aircraft were operating in the same area, with SQT tracking north and KNB tracking south. The near collision occurred in uncontrolled airspace during scenic flights. No further operational or procedural details have been provided.

Aftermath

Following the incident, the pilot of SQT made a broadcast to alert all traffic. The pilot of KNB subsequently became aware of the other aircraft. No injuries or damage were reported.

2016-09-22: Cessna Aircraft Company 210M (VH-SQT) — Jabiru Aerodrome, S 49 km (Double Falls), Northern Territory