A recent near-miss at White Plains / Westchester County Airport (HPN) occurred when air traffic controllers cleared an airplane for takeoff into the path of a Piper PA-28 landing on an intersecting runway. The pilots of the collision-course aircraft noticed the impending collision before controllers had a chance to correct the situation. The PA-28 executed a go-around, narrowly avoiding the collision. (Read the news coverage here)
In addition to reinforcing the need for an active visual scan during all phases of flight, near-misses like these remind us of the importance of the Aviation Safety Reporting System (“ASRS”). ASRS allows pilots and aircraft crew involved in or witnessing incidents to file confidential reports detailing the incident, describing its causes, and suggesting corrective action. The FAA offers an additional incentive to file ASRS reports, waiving fines and penalties for first-time inadvertent violators of Federal Air Regulations (“FARs”) in certain circumstances. However, in order to take advantage of the FAA incentive, the pilot or crew member must file an ASRS report within ten (10) days of the incident reported. Therefore, those witnessing or involved in aviation incidents should file an ASRS report as soon afterward as possible. Do not wait to be contacted by the FAA before filing an ASRS. By the time you receive a Letter of Investigation or Proposed Certificate Action, it may be too late!
Knowing who to call in the event of an aviation incident or accident is just as important as filing an ASRS report. An experienced aviation attorney can provide valuable assistance and representation in every step of the reporting and investigation process. Our attorneys are prepared and ready to assist airmen and crew members in the event of an incident or accident. Please do not hesitate to call.
