Vic: Speculation about aircraft crash criticised

AAP General News (Australia)
12-04-2003
Vic: Speculation about aircraft crash criticised

Airservices Australia says it's too early to know whether the a new airspace sharing
system is to blame for a near miss between two planes north-west of Melbourne.

A Virgin Blue flight from the Gold Coast to Melbourne was 20 seconds from colliding
with a twin-engine Cessna yesterday when an alarm was triggered as it began its descent.

The air traffic controllers' union has blamed the near miss on the week-old National
Airspace System which allows light planes into areas used by commercial airliners.

But a spokesman for Airservices Australia -- which is responsible for implementing
the system -- says investigations should be completed before fingers are pointed.

AAP RTV mf/gfr/swe/rp

KEYWORD: AIRSPACE (MELBOURNE)

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