Correction to investigation regarding mid-air proximity incident near Newcastle

Casualties unknown • North of Newcastle Airport, GB

An amendment to the AAIB investigation clarifies the timing of airspace notices and flight rules during a mid-air proximity incident involving a Shorts SD3-60 100 series and a Tornado F3.

What happened

On 20 March 2000, at approximately 1847 UTC, a mid-air proximity incident occurred approximately 26.5 nautical miles north of Newcastle airport. The incident involved two aircraft: a Shorts SD3-60 100 series, registration G-OLAH, and a Tornado F3.

An aerial exercise was being conducted at the time, which had been communicated to relevant authorities via an Airspace Co-ordination Notice (ACN). This notice was distributed to the Air Traffic Control managers at both Aberdeen and Newcastle airports.

The investigation

During the review of the investigation findings, it was established that the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) associated with the exercise did not come into effect until 1900 UTC. This means the NOTAM was not active for 13 minutes prior to the occurrence of the AIRPROX.

Furthermore, the investigation clarified the specific flight rules applicable to the operation. The requirement for pilots to maintain appropriate quadrantal levels and comply with the rules of the air was specified as maintaining VMC (Visual Meteorological Conditions) rather than VFR.

Probable cause

The amendment highlights that the official notice to airmen was not yet in effect at the time of the proximity incident and clarifies the regulatory requirement for maintaining VMC.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-03-20 Shorts SD3-60 100 series and Tornado F3 accident near North of Newcastle Airport, GB?

An amendment to the AAIB investigation clarifies the timing of airspace notices and flight rules during a mid-air proximity incident involving a Shorts SD3-60 100 series and a Tornado F3.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-03-20 involved a Shorts SD3-60 100 series and Tornado F3, registration G-OLAH, at North of Newcastle Airport, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The amendment highlights that the official notice to airmen was not yet in effect at the time of the proximity incident and clarifies the regulatory requirement for maintaining VMC.

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