Citing an event in which an emergency medical services (EMS) helicopter and a Piper Seminole on an instructional flight came within 451 m (1,480 ft) of each other in the clouds near Mangalore, Victoria, Australia, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is emphasizing “the effective use of radio” in avoiding midair collisions.
The June 6, 2021, incident occurred as the Moorabbin Aviation Services Seminole was traveling north on an RNAV approach to Mangalore at the same time the Babcock Mission Critical Services Agusta Westland AW139 — carrying the pilot, two medical crewmembers and a patient — was tracking south and about to overfly the airport. Both aircraft were in clouds, and both were being flown on instrument flight plans.
“This incident shows that the effective use of radio remains a primary defence in avoiding midair collisions,” the ATSB said. “This is achieved by maintaining an effective listening watch and proactive communication.”
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