Piper PA 32R-301 N43WW and Cessna 172S N520ER incident near New Orleans, Louisiana

Probable cause

The air traffic controller not following Federal Aviation Administration directives to establish sequencing and spacing between aircraft operating to the same runway.

NTSB analysis

The incident sequence began after N43WW departed runway 36 right and was instructed to enter right closed traffic and N520ER reported east of the Lakefront Airport for landing. The air traffic control services provided by the control tower operator caused the incident. The services provided during the sequencing and spacing of the two aircraft landing on the runway were not in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration Joint Order (FAA JO) 7110.65, Air Traffic Control, directives.

When the pilot of the N520ER reported 6.5 nautical miles east of the airport, the air traffic controller instructed the pilot to enter a right base for runway 36 right. N43WW was already established in the downwind for runway 36 right, both aircraft were maneuvering for runway 36R and no instruction or traffic advisories were issued by ATC to ensure sequencing and spacing to the runway. The pilot of N520ER initiated a go around and subsequently overflew N43WW which was on landing rollout on the runway. The closest proximity between the two aircraft on final approach was estimated to be about 516 feet.

The FAA JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control, paragraph 3-8-1 requires air traffic controllers to establish a sequence of landing traffic to avoid collisions at the runway and to ensure proper spacing. Additionally, when the conflict alert activated, the controller did not issue a required safety alert or traffic advisory for the conflict.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for OPS17IA021 for the full record.