TRACON Controller described a loss of separation event when repeated instructions to an Air Carrier departure were not followed.
Synopsis
TRACON Controller described a loss of separation event when repeated instructions to an Air Carrier departure were not followed.
Narrative
A C172 was an overflight at 040 about ten miles north of the airport on about a heading of 240. A CRJ departed the airport on a heading of 330; climbing to 040. When I saw the departure I knew I had a conflict; but felt it could be resolved quickly and easily. I told the (RAN) RADAR hand off position to point out the C182 to the Tower so no other conflicting headings would be issued for any other departures. The CRJ checked on with me out of about 025 heading 330. I issued the RADAR contact call then a heading of 090 and climb and maintain 100. The CRJ pilot came back and asked me to verify the altitude. He did not take the turn. I said to the CRJ turn right heading 090 climb and maintain 100 no delay through 050 traffic 1 o'clock 7 miles southwest bound C182. Again the pilot did not turn; but continued on the heading of 330 and said we were given 040 as an altitude; what altitude do you want us to have. At this point loss of separation was inevitable. By now the CRJ was 5 miles from the C182 climbing through about 038 on a conflicting course. Again I issued the traffic call with an IMMEDIATE TURN RIGHT HEADING 090 CLIMB AN MAINTAIN 100. Then said BREAK C172 turn right heading 320 traffic 10 o'clock 4 miles an RJ climbing through 043. When I un-keyed; the CRJ was talking and asking me once again to verify the altitude and now ask about the heading. I don't think the C182 got the transmission because he never turned. By now the CRJ was passing in front of the C182 by about a half a mile and at 047 and climbing still on a heading of 330. All total I issued the heading of 090 and the climb to 100 four times and the traffic call twice and the pilot didn't turn until he was over the C182 about 8 miles northwest of the airport out of 047. Once the pilot was clear of the C182; I issued a turn to CTF and maintain 100. The pilot questioned that as well. I repeated the instruction with a frequency change; and he questioned it again. So I repeated it once again. Recommendation; in my opinion if the pilot would have taken the instruction the first time or even the second time separation would have been fine. I am not sure why the pilot had trouble with the instruction. When it was over my hand off and I discussed it and could not understand why it happened. Why the pilot could not understand the instruction. A point out to the Tower sooner on the C182 at 040 might have helped.
Second reporter narrative
A CRJ departed off of Runway 29 climbing to 4;000 heading 330. A C172 was level at 4;000. The RADAR Controller talked to the CRJ told him RADAR contact turn right heading 090 climb and maintain 10;000. However; the RADAR Controller used the wrong call sign. As the assist for RADAR North position; I pointed this out and the RADAR Controller went back to issue the instructions again and also gave traffic to both aircraft. The CRJ was unsure of the instructions and did not do what he was told. When told again to do so he said he was instructed by Tower to climb to 4;000 heading 330. For some reason the CRJ pilot was unwilling to do what the RADAR Controller was issuing. Recommendation; verify all call signs. Clarify all instructions when situation warrants. Talk to pilot and find out why he would think that Tower instructions over rule Departure instructions. Due to both incidents it caused the decrease in separation. Had one of the incidents been stopped the loss of separation would not have happened.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.