Section 21 (2) of the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 (TSI Act) empowers the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) to discontinue an investigation into a transport safety matter at any time. Section 21 (3) of the TSI Act requires the ATSB to publish a statement setting out the reasons for discontinuing an investigation.
On 17 April 2012, the ATSB commenced an investigation into an airspace event, between an Airbus A330 aircraft registered VH-EBE and a Bombardier DHC-8 aircraft registered VH-TQL, near Cairns Airport on 21 March 2012.
Examination of the information collected during the investigation indicated a loss of separation assurance had occurred. However, the controller was aware of the potential conflict between the two aircraft and was actively managing the situation, which resulted in the separation standard between the aircraft being maintained.
The investigation did not find any systemic issues had contributed to the occurrence. The ATSB assessed that no safety issues would be identified through further investigation. On that basis, the ATSB has decided to discontinue its investigation.