2011-12 · NASA ASRS report 983253
SCT Controller described a conflict event when clearing downwind traffic landing SAN to follow traffic ahead on downwind; the traffic turned base inside traffic and conflicted with a straight in aircraft.
A C560XL was on the north downwind IFR being vector for a Visual Approach at 6;000 FT to SAN airport. I pointed out traffic; a B737 ahead on downwind 6 miles; at 6;000 FT; about to turn base. The C560XL reported the B737 in sight. I instructed the C560XL to turn base at or above 5;000 FT (this is to keep the aircraft in Class Bravo airspace); follow the B737 ahead; caution wake turbulence; cleared Visual Approach. The C560XL acknowledged the clearance. Also; there was a second B737 on straight in final for SAN airport at 3;000 FT. The first B737 jet that the C560XL was sequenced behind was on a Visual Approach to follow the other B737. Shortly after; I observed the C560XL turning base leg inside of the B737 [they were to follow] and now on a converging course. I issued an immediate stop to the C560XL on his descent; a left turn away from the B737; and traffic on the B737. The C560XL reported the correct B737 in sight and I re sequenced him again to follow the traffic. I am estimating there was approximately 2 miles lateral and 800 FT vertical between the aircraft at closest proximity. It appeared the C560XL had the wrong aircraft in sight and followed the other B737 on final and not the intended B737 on downwind. Recommendation; I was very specific that the aircraft the C560XL was following was on downwind at his altitude. I made no mention of the aircraft on final 3;000 FT below. I'm not sure what can be done to preclude this from happening. I also used company livery to help preclude getting the wrong aircraft in sight.
We were on a right downwind for landing at SAN airport. My First Officer was flying (right seat) and I was the pilot not flying. ATC asked us if we saw the B737 aircraft at our 1:00 position in the traffic pattern. We saw an aircraft which resembled a B737 jet and assumed that we were looking at the aircraft that ATC had specified. We do not recall ATC notifying us that there were two aircraft in the pattern ahead of us for landing. They simply notified us (to the best of my recollection of the event) that there was an airplane in the pattern on base; for final ahead of us and asked if we saw it. My co-pilot and I looked to the 1:00 position from our aircraft and saw an aircraft which appeared to be a B737 in what seemed to be a slight right turn (from our perspective) from base to final. From the geometrical positioning of our aircraft/cockpit; this aircraft was at our approximate 1:00. From that distance it is difficult to recognize aircraft paint scheme especially against such a densely populated area; but we discussed with each other (co-pilot and I) as to whether the aircraft in question was indeed the correct jet at our 1:00 to which we both agreed it was. We were both satisfied that this was the target that the Tower had pointed out to us so we notified ATC that we had said target in site; and they subsequently cleared us to land behind that traffic. We turned base shortly after our clearance to land was given; and began our descent to land keeping the aircraft we had spotted in sight. A few moments later; ATC issued us an immediate left turn to 070 degrees (as best as I can remember these headings) which was an approximate 110 degree left turn from our current heading (base leg). As we turned to the left; we noticed a SECOND aircraft behind the airplane we were following; which apparently; was the B737 aircraft that ATC was originally talking about. This aircraft appeared to be at our 10:00 position at this point (as we were turning onto the base leg) and maybe 2-3 miles away (a complete guess...it didn't seem very close at that point and no TCAS had sounded off). We then rejoined the downwind and ATC then cleared us to land behind that aircraft with no further incident. At no time did our TCAS go off/warn us. At no time did we lose sight of the target we THOUGHT was designated by the Tower during the maneuver. We did scan for other aircraft initially but did not see any except the aircraft we both noticed at our 1:00 (the position that ATC notified us it was at). Unfortunately; this turned out to be the wrong Airlines aircraft. What would have averted this incident: The Tower could have notified us that there were X number of planes ahead of us 'You are number two to land following the B737 at your 1:00 and a second B737 at your 2:00; please notify both in sight'. Again; I do not have the tapes to review but we were under the assumption from the conversation we remember having with ATC that we were following ONE aircraft in the pattern; at our 1:00 with no mention of another aircraft landing ahead of us. When we identified the aircraft at our 1:00 (as stated by ATC) we scanned; but didn't see; any other aircraft in front of; or behind the target we identified.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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