| Occurrence Briefs are concise reports that detail the facts surrounding a transport safety occurrence, as received in the initial notification and any follow-up enquiries. They provide an opportunity to share safety messages in the absence of an investigation. |
What happened
At about 1117 Eastern Standard Time on 29 August 2020, a Piper PA-28 departed Bankstown Airport, New South Wales (NSW) for a private flight, tracking to Bathurst, NSW under the visual flight rules. After departure, the pilot of the PA-28 commenced a shallow climb with the intention of remaining clear of the Sydney control area steps. However, at approximately 26 NM west of Sydney, the pilot inadvertently entered controlled airspace without a clearance.
A short distance ahead and above the PA-28, a Cirrus SR20 was on a private flight from Bankstown Airport, NSW to Dubbo Airport, NSW under the instrument flight rules. The SR20 was on climb to 6,000 ft in class C airspace when the aircraft’s traffic advisory system alerted the pilot to the presence of the PA-28. The traffic advisory system indicated the PA-28 was climbing towards the aircraft in the 6 o’clock position relative to the SR20. The positioning of the two aircraft prevented the SR20 pilot from sighting the PA-28. The SR20 pilot queried the proximity of the PA-28 with Air Traffic Control (ATC). ATC then identified the conflict and issued a safety alert to the SR20.
At about 1127 EST, the SR20 and PA-28 came into close proximity, with separation between the two aircraft reduced to 0.8 NM laterally and 300 ft vertically. ATC made a broadcast to the unverified PA-28 informing the pilot of the airspace infringement and issuing turn instructions to regain separation. The PA-28 was observed by ATC to follow the separation instructions and commence a turn to the left. The conflict was subsequently resolved, and the PA-28 exited controlled airspace.
Safety message
This incident highlights the importance of maintaining navigational accuracy and traffic awareness when operating in close proximity to control area steps. It also illustrates the value of enhanced situational awareness provided by airborne traffic advisory systems such as that fitted to the involved Cirrus SR20.
About this report
Decisions regarding whether to conduct an investigation, and the scope of an investigation, are based on many factors, including the level of safety benefit likely to be obtained from an investigation. For this occurrence, no investigation has been conducted and the ATSB did not verify the accuracy of the information. A brief description has been written using information supplied in the notification and any follow-up information in order to produce a short summary report, and allow for greater industry awareness of potential safety issues and possible safety actions.