HC Deb 25 October 1990 vol 178 cc248-9W
Mr. Beith

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what inquiries have been undertaken into the recent reported near-miss involving a Dan Air civilian aircraft taking off from Newcastle airport and two military aircraft.

Mr. McLoughlin

An air miss report was filed with the Civil Aviation Authority concerning a Dan Air B737 and two Tornado aircraft. The incident took place at 8.14 pm on 10 October near Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The 737 was at a height of 12,000 ft en route from Newcastle to Cos in Greece and the Tornados were flying to RAF Learning. in Yorkshire. Avoiding instructions were given to the Dan Air aircraft by Newcastle airport air traffic control and the Tornados passed above the 737.

The precise details are being investigated by the CAA's safety regulation group. The information will then be sent to the joint air miss working group (JAWG) for assessment. The JAWG comprises representatives from all sectors of the industry, including operators, pilots and air traffic controllers.