Level Bust
Hello,
There is a common misconception that all TCAS system is the same. On some aircrafts, traffic information is not depicted in the display. On some others, in case of RA, the climb or descent maneuvre is carried out based only on information given in the VSI. All these are perfectly legal and the equipment is certified for use..
From the grapevine, the incident was between a A330 and the B777. If anyone is willing to verify this, the B777 actually made an evasive maneuvre by changing their heading to keep away from the traffic that was descending from the back. So, because of that, there could have been a possibility that RA was not triggered in both aircraft. If the other aircraft is not equipped with TCAS equipment that shows traffic info in their display, they wouldn't have known where the traffic is under this circumstances.
Off course finger pointing is the easiest way out. Otherwise, we should ask these few questions before we actually point to anyone for blame:
1) Why did both pilots in the aircraft that busted the level understood the clearance wrongly?
2) Why was this mistake not spotted by the ATC?
3) Why did the B777 pilot not question the readback if he knows there could be a potential conflict?
Off course under this circumstance, we would surmise that everyone would have behaved responsibly and professionally. No one would have wanted to knowingly break the rule. However, the fact remains; Even with the best of equipments, experience and professionalism, an accident could have happened on that fated day...
It would seem, without blaming anyone, with the problems we are having on 132.6, if nothing is done to solve this issue, there is bound to be another incident in the near future. If nothing is done even after that, we are staring at an accident waiting to happen. Maybe we should look at what are the 'low hanging fruits' that could easily be plucked to solve this issue. If a statistical study is done as to what are the mistakes made on 132.6 on a daily basis, we can easily identify the problems associated with this issue and what are the majority of the problems...
Off course someone need to do the statistical study first la...
Regards..