Investigation number
199301525
Occurrence date
State
South Australia
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Near collision
Occurrence class
Incident

VH-KDB commenced descent to Whyalla at 55km and advised Adelaide Flight Service (FIS) and broadcasted on local MTAF. Adelaide FIS advised "no IFR traffic" and no response was heard on MTAF. At 30km Whyalla, the estimated arrival time and intentions at Whyalla were broadcast and the pilots continued to monitor both radio frequencies (MTAF and Area). At about 10km from Whyalla, when leaving 3000 feet on descent, opposite direction traffic was seen on climb straight ahead. Rate of descent was increased as an evasive action and the other aircraft passed overhead. After passing, attempts were made to establish communications with the other aircraft on both MTAF and Area frequencies without success. A short time later, VH-LQD was heard on Area frequency and it was established that this was the aircraft seen. The pilot of VH-LQD, a foreign national, was flying a solo navigation exercise and although he had heard some transmissions, he had not associated them with conficting traffic.

Aircraft Details
Model
SF-340A
Registration
VH-KDB
Sector
Turboprop
Departure point
Adelaide SA
Destination
Whyalla SA
Damage
Nil
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
SOCATA-Groupe Aerospatiale
Model
TB-20
Registration
VH-LQD
Sector
Piston
Departure point
Whyalla SA
Destination
Parafield SA
Damage
Nil