Mid-air collision — two Cessna 172s, training area

Summary

Two Cessna 172 aircraft from Sydney Flight Training Centre collided in the Camden Training Area while conducting general handling exercises. Both aircraft sustained damage to the wing and tail surfaces; both student pilots were injured. One aircraft landed safely under control; the second pilot executed a successful off-field precautionary landing in a paddock.

Investigation Findings (4)

1. 01Both aircraft were operating in the designated training area at the same altitude without awareness of each other.
2. 02Radio calls were made on the designated area frequency but neither pilot heard the other's calls due to overlapping transmissions.
3. 03Lookout scan technique was assessed as inadequate by ATSB investigators.
4. 04Sydney Flight Training Centre implemented mandatory traffic conflict avoidance briefings and changed the solo area altitudes to reduce conflict probability.