C525 / C42, en-route / manoeuvring, near Eastbourne UK, 2017

C525 / C42, en-route / manoeuvring, near Eastbourne UK, 2017

Summary

On 7 March 2017, an en-route Cessna Citation and a manoeuvring Ikarus C42 light aircraft approaching almost head-on at speeds of 240 knots and 55 knots respectively almost collided at an altitude of 3,500 feet in VMC outside controlled airspace. The Investigation found that only the C42 pilot had seen a conflicting aircraft and that they had then taken avoiding action which had mitigated the high risk of collision. The closest point of approach was recorded on radar as less than 100 feet vertically and less than 185 metres laterally. The near miss was categorised as an ICAO 'A' event.

Description

On 7 March 2017, a Cessna 525 Citation in Class 'G' airspace came into very close proximity with an unseen Ikarus C42 in day VMC at an altitude of 3,500 feet after the pilot of the C42 had, following a late sighting, executed last minute avoiding action to effect a recorded separation of less than 100 feet vertically and less than 185 metres laterally. Both aircraft were operating VFR in good forward visibility.

The location of the CPA and the recorded prior flight paths of the two aircraft. [Reproduced from the Official Report]

Investigation

An Investigation was carried out by the UK Airprox Board. Although the event occurred outside controlled airspace, a relevant R/T recording and a high quality radar recording of the occurrence was available from the ANSP which had been providing FIS to one of the aircraft involved.

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