Near Collision at Vaasa Airport Avoided by Training Aircraft

Casualties unknown • FI

A Finnish Air Force training aircraft narrowly avoided a collision with a Skyways AB Fokker 50 during landing operations at Vaasa Airport.

What happened

On August 16, 1999, at approximately 15:14, a near-collision occurred on the final approach to runway 34 at Vaasa Airport. The incident involved a Finnish Air Force Vinka VN-21 training aircraft, operating under the callsign M 42, and a Skyways AB Fokker 50, registration SE-LIN, performing a scheduled passenger flight (SKX 1593).

The air traffic controller was managing a mix of VFR and IFR traffic. The Fokker 50 was on a visual approach to runway 34. Simultaneously, the Vinka training aircraft was cleared for a through landing. During the sequence, the controller instructed the Vinka to perform a left-hand circuit to allow the larger aircraft to land. However, the Vinka pilot initiated a left turn before the specific instruction was issued. The controller, while managing the arrival of the Fokker 50, cleared the Vinka for a through landing without verifying the exact positions of both aircraft.

The investigation

The investigation examined the air traffic controller's actions, the movement of both aircraft, and the working conditions at Vaasa Tower. Investigators reviewed radio communications, radar monitor data, and the controller's duty logs. The investigation also looked into the controller's fatigue levels, noting that the controller had completed an evening shift the previous night and had only ten hours of rest before starting the current shift.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the near-collision was that the air traffic controller cleared the Vinka for a through landing without verifying the position of either approaching aircraft.
  • The controller failed to issue traffic information to either aircraft during the approach phase.
  • The controller did not utilize the available radar monitor to assist in aircraft positioning.
  • The controller was likely working at a computer terminal with their back to the traffic during the critical moments of the approach.
  • The controller's rest period was insufficient, as they had only ten hours of rest between shifts.
  • The controller did not request position or distance reports from either aircraft during their arrival or approach.

Probable cause

The near-collision was caused by the air traffic controller issuing a landing clearance to a training aircraft without verifying the separation or position of an arriving airliner, compounded by a lack of traffic advisories and insufficient rest for the controller.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-08-16 aircraft accident near FI?

A Finnish Air Force training aircraft narrowly avoided a collision with a Skyways AB Fokker 50 during landing operations at Vaasa Airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-08-16 involved a aircraft, registration OH-CVQ, at FI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The near-collision was caused by the air traffic controller issuing a landing clearance to a training aircraft without verifying the separation or position of an arriving airliner, compounded by a lack of traffic advisories and insufficient rest for the controller.

Loading the flight search…