Near-collision between two aircraft near Pisco, Peru

Casualties unknown • PE

A serious airprox incident occurred between a Cessna Grand Caravan and a Cessna Skyhawk near Pisco, involving a dangerous separation of only 3 to 5 meters.

What happened

On June 4, 2018, at approximately 11:25 local time, a serious airprox incident occurred approximately 25 nautical miles south of Pisco International Airport (SPSO). Two aircraft, a Cessna C-208B Grand Caravan (registration OB-1882P) and a Cessna C-172SP Skyhawk (registration OB-2025), experienced an extremely close encounter while flying at an altitude of 6,500 feet.

The crew of the OB-1882P reported seeing the OB-2025 at a distance of only 3 to 5 meters on their right wing, necessitating an immediate evasive maneuver to the left to avoid a collision. Both aircraft subsequently landed at Pisco without any reported injuries or structural damage.

The investigation

The CIAA investigation examined the flight plans, air traffic control (ATC) communications, and coordination between various flight information services. The investigation reviewed records from the Pisco Tower, Nasca Tower, and the Las D/unas AFIS.

Investigators found that while the Nasca Tower had notified the Pisco Tower of the estimated arrival times and flight levels for both aircraft, there was a critical failure in maintaining separation. The investigation also noted a period of communication congestion at the Pisco Tower, where controllers were managing 15 simultaneous training flights, which hindered effective traffic management. Furthermore, the investigation highlighted that the OB-2025 entered the Pisco TMA without reporting its position or flight level, and the Las Dunas AFIS lacked recording equipment, which limited the ability to review all prior communications.

Findings

  • Lack of coordination between the Nasca, Pisco, and Las Dunas air traffic control facilities prevented the maintenance of safe separation.
  • Communication congestion at the Pisco Tower during peak traffic periods prevented timely intervention.
  • The OB-2025 failed to report its position and altitude upon entering the Pisco TMA.
  • The Nasca Tower did not recommend a flight level change for the OB-1882P despite knowing another aircraft was at the same level.
  • Inadequate situational awareness among the crews due to insufficient information from air traffic services.

Probable cause

The primary cause was a lack of coordination between air traffic control towers, which failed to maintain safe separation between two aircraft flying at the same flight level, resulting in an imminent collision risk.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2018-06-04 aircraft accident near PE?

A serious airprox incident occurred between a Cessna Grand Caravan and a Cessna Skyhawk near Pisco, involving a dangerous separation of only 3 to 5 meters.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2018-06-04 involved a aircraft, registration OB-1882-P, at PE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause was a lack of coordination between air traffic control towers, which failed to maintain safe separation between two aircraft flying at the same flight level, resulting in an imminent collision risk.

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