What happened
On June 14, 2012, a serious airprox incident occurred approximately 15 nautical miles south-southeast of the Willisau radio beacon. A Dassault Falcon 2000, registration OM-OPF, operated by Opera Jet AS, was performing a standard instrument departure from Buochs airport. Simultaneously, a Hawker Hunter T Mk 68, registration HB-RVP, operated by the Fliegermuseum Altenrhein, was operating in the same vicinity. The high-speed approach of the vintage fighter resulted in a dangerous proximity between the two aircraft.
The investigation
SUST examined the flight profiles, air traffic control communications, and the operational procedures of both the business jet and the vintage fighter team. The investigation looked into the flight performance of the Hawker Hunter T Mk 68, specifically its speed and altitude, as well as the regulatory framework governing the operation of civil-registered high-performance aircraft in Swiss airspace. The inquiry also reviewed previous risk assessments conducted by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (BAZL) and the management of air traffic services provided by Skyguide.
Findings
- The Hawker Hunter T Mk 68 was operating at a high speed of approximately 370 KIAS at an altitude of FL 92, which significantly exceeded the standard 250 KIAS limit for uncontrolled airspace below FL 100.
- There was a lack of adequate risk management regarding the operation of civil-registered high-performance aircraft in Switzerland, as neither the authorities nor the operators had established clear, coordinated regulations for high-speed flight in low-level airspace for many years.
- While the pilot of the Hawker Hunter T Mk 68 may have sought higher speeds to maintain engine energy reserves, the necessity of such speeds was not properly regulated or coordinated with other airspace users, such as helicopter operators.
- Previous risk assessments by the BAZL had identified the potential for catastrophic consequences in the event of a collision but had failed to implement effective mitigation measures, such as defined flight routes or NOTAMs.
Safety action
Following the incident, the BAZL implemented several measures, including temporary license suspensions for pilots involved in subsequent speed violations. Additionally, all holders of civil-registered Hawker Hunters in Switzerland were called to an agreement to strictly adhere to maximum speed limits in uncontrolled airspace below FL 100, with compliance monitored via flight logging devices. The investigation also led to Safety Recommendation No. 494, urging the BAZL to establish a formal framework for the safe operation of high-performance aircraft that balances their operational needs with the safety of all airspace users.