The aircraft was being radar vectored, heading 105 degrees, for an approach to land on runway 34 at Melbourne Airport. The Air Traffic Controller issued an instruction for the pilot to turn onto heading 080. In response the crew read back 010, but the controller did not detect this error. Observing the aircraft on a near north track the controller asked the pilot to confirm heading 080. In response the crew said "affirmative," instead of reading back the assigned heading.
Suspecting a compass failure the controller told the crew to turn right, intending to stop the turn when the aircraft was on an easterly heading. This turn was not made. Following further communications the aircraft was radar vectored and positioned for a visual approach on runway 34. A normal landing followed.
Significant Factors:
The following factors were considered relevant to the development of the incident:
- The crew misunderstood the heading given to them by the approach controller.
- The controller did not detect the error in the crew read back of the new heading.
- When asked to confirm heading 080 the crew incorrectly replied "affirmative," instead of stating the actual heading.