Investigation number
198803641
Occurrence date
Location
Coolangatta
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence type
Miscellaneous - Other
Occurrence category
Incident
Highest injury level
None

Shortly after VH-TJS entered the circuit for runway 14, as number three to land behind two light aircraft, the Aerodrome Controller (ADC) commenced vectoring a Boeing 737 aircraft for descent and approach to land on the opposite direction runway 32. On short final the pilot in command of VH-TJS became aware of aircraft lights approaching from the opposite direction. Shortly afterwards the Boeing crew advised that the aircraft was on final for runway 32, and was instructed by the ADC to continue the approach. The pilot in command of VH-TJS initiated a go-around from a height of about 100 feet above the ground. The Boeing 737 was then cleared to land, and VH-TJS carried out a circuit and landing on runway 14. The pilot of VH-TJS subsequently stated that he was not told of the opposite direction traffic, and said he believed the other aircraft to be following him for a landing on runway 14. Investigation revealed that, during the vectoring process, the ADC specifically mentioned that the other aircraft was for runway 32 on three occasions. At the time VH-TJS commenced the go-around the Boeing 737 was about 4 miles (7.5 kilometres) from the end of the runway at about 1000 feet altitude. There was no breakdown in separation standards or Air Traffic Control procedures.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
McDonnell Douglas Corp.
Model
DC-9
Registration
VH-TJS
Serial number
47550
Operation type
Air Transport High Capacity
Departure point
Melbourne VIC
Departure time
N/A
Destination
Coolangatta QLD
Damage
Nil