AUS Controller observed an apparent incorrect path flown by an aircraft assigned the CENTEX Four SID discovering similar sounding fix names on the SID likely caused the confusion.
Synopsis
AUS Controller observed an apparent incorrect path flown by an aircraft assigned the CENTEX Four SID discovering similar sounding fix names on the SID likely caused the confusion.
Narrative
A SR22 received the following clearance from AUS Clearance Delivery: AUS CWK4 TNV MLU. I RADAR identified the aircraft; issued a climb; and then cleared the aircraft direct to ILEXY Intersection to 'intercept and resume the CENTEX Four Departure'. Some time later I observed this aircraft far north of the assigned route of flight; and far past the ILEXY Intersection. I advised the pilot that he had overshot the assigned route; and I issued a new heading to join the CENTEX Four Departure. The pilot insisted that he had dialed-in the correct 'NAVYS Intersection'; and it was at this point that I realized what had happened. There is a TNV (Navasota Transition) on the CENTEX Four Departure; as well as a NAVYS Transition. Pilots often confuse NAVASOTA with NAVYS due to the similar sounding FIX and NAVAID Transitions on the CENTEX Four Departure. This issue has been previously reported. I contacted ZHU and advised them of what had happened; and switched the aircraft once I observed that he was turning back onto the proper route of flight. Such a simple fix... just change NAVYS Fix and/or Transition to a different name.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.