Investigation into Near collision of Air Whitsunday DHC-2 Beaver VH-AWD and GSL Aviation GA-8 VH-NOQ near Hamilton Island

Just after I finished preparing the Blog post below, I've discovered that the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has commenced an investigation into a near collision involving Air Whitsunday Seaplanes De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver Floatplane VH-AWD and GSL Aviation Gippsland Aeronautics GA-8 VH-NOQ, 16 km NNE of Hamilton Island Airport on Friday 31 October.

File photo

File photo

Reportedly, while conducting a scenic flight, the pilot of VH-AWD observed the Airvan passing close on a reciprocal track. The pilot did not hear any radio calls from VH-NOQ on the CTAF.  As part of the investigation, the ATSB will interview the pilots and gather additional information.  A report will be released within several months.