Issued by: Department of Transport
INCIDENT INVOLVING SAA AND SAAF AIRCRAFT AT CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The Civil Aviation Authority investigation into the incident at Cape Town international on the 19th of October 1995 has now been concluded. Statements from the controller on duty in the tower at the time and the crews of the South African Airways and South African Airforce aircraft were taken. The Air Traffic Control tapes were also reviewed.
The findings of the CAA investigation can be summarised as follows: 1) The use of non standard procedures resulted in this incident. 2) Both the controller and the SAAF pilot failed in ensuring the necessary separation between the two aircraft. 3) The SAA pilot was not at fault in any way.
The controller concerned has since been placed on a refresher course and will only be returned to solo duties subject to satisfactory completion of two operational evaluations.
The emphasis of any investigation is to identify shortcomings so that action can be taken to prevent possible recurrences.
The action taken by the ATNS Company in respect of retaining is supported. It should also be borne in mind that other procedures in existence did prevent this incident from becoming an accident and the Civil Aviation Authority does not consider that any other steps need to be implemented, other than those taken by the ATNS Company. The findings of an Air Force Board of Inquiry have not yet been made available.
The above information is released in the public interest and to promote further safety awareness by all participants in aviation.
Civil Aviation Authority Enquiries: Mr R W van Zyl Tel: 012-2902003(W) 012-8038553(H)