What happened
On the morning of 23 August 2021, two commercial aircraft experienced a close encounter near George Aerodrome in the Western Cape. The first aircraft, an Embraer EMB-135KL with registration ZS-ALJ, was conducting a scheduled flight from Cape Town International Aerodrome to George. Simultaneously, a Bombardier CL-600-2B19, registration ZS-CMG, was preparing for a scheduled departure from George to O.R. Tambo International Aerodrome.
At the time of the incident, the George Tower had not yet officially opened for the day, though Approach Control was operational. The pilot of ZS-CMG requested an immediate takeoff from Runway 29. Despite being informed by the Approach Controller that Runway 11 was in use and that an inbound aircraft (ZS-ALJ) was approaching from the west, the crew of ZS-CMG elected to proceed using unmanned aerodrome departure procedures. This decision placed both aircraft on reciprocal tracks. To prevent a collision, the Approach Controller had to instruct the crew of ZS-ALJ to deviate from their path by turning right toward the sea until the departing traffic was clear.
The investigation
The SACAA AIID investigation examined radio communications, radar tracks, and aerodrome operating procedures. The investigation reviewed the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) which specified that Approach Control opened at 0530Z, while the Tower was scheduled to open at 0545Z. Investigators analyzed the sequence of events leading to the ZS-CMG takeoff and the subsequent instructions provided by the Approach Controller to manage the conflict.
Findings
- The pilot-in-command of ZS-CMG chose to depart Runway 29 using unmanned procedures despite having knowledge of conflicting traffic on approach for Runway 11.
- A discrepancy existed in the aerodrome's operating schedule, as Approach Control opened 15 minutes before the Tower service.
- The ZS-CMG crew proceeded with the departure even after the Approach Controller explicitly stated they could not accommodate the request due to the closed Tower status and the presence of inbound traffic.
- The closest proximity between the two aircraft was recorded at 14 nautical miles.
Safety action
Following the incident, a safety recommendation was issued to ensure that the Tower and Approach Control stations at George Aerodrome open simultaneously. The investigation noted that the staggered opening times posed a serious safety implication for aerodrome operations.