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ZDV controller described a loss of separation event listing similar call signs as the direct cause.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 1017859 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201206 |
| Local Time Of Day | 1801-2400 |
| Place | |
| Locale Reference | ZDV.ARTCC |
| State Reference | CO |
| Environment | |
| Flight Conditions | VMC |
| Light | Daylight |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 121 |
| Flight Phase | Cruise |
| Flight Plan | IFR |
| Aircraft 2 | |
| Make Model Name | A320 |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 121 |
| Flight Phase | Cruise |
| Flight Plan | IFR |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Enroute |
| Qualification | Air Traffic Control Fully Certified |
| Person 2 | |
| Function | Enroute |
| Qualification | Air Traffic Control Fully Certified |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | ATC Issue All Types Conflict Airborne Conflict Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy |
Narrative:
Air carrier XXXX and a company air carrier XXXY on the frequency at same time; not advised of similar sounding call signs; but both had been on same previous frequencies since sdf and cid; their departure locations. After air carrier XXXX checked on and was answered; the next transmission was for air carrier XXXY to descend now to FL340 then cross sayge at FL190 at 250 KTS. Air carrier XXXY clearly read clearance back without any audible overlapping transmissions and the data block reflected that air carrier XXXY began descent. I noticed air carrier XXXX also descending when mode C indicated FL357 and transmitted for air carrier XXXX to maintain FL360. The answer was stepped on by air carrier XXXY questioning the clearance. A second clearance to air carrier XXXX was given to turn 40 degrees right and maintain FL360. Response was also stepped on; but I heard air carrier XXXX say descending through FL355. After third transmission to air carrier XXXX asking him to verify level FL360; air carrier XXXX responded and verified level at FL360. The descent of air carrier XXXX put him in close proximity to an airbus on another frequency (R9); responded to an RA after being turned by that controller to the right as well. The similar call signs directly contributed to this extremely close situation as well as the fact that the aircraft responded at exactly the same time. Assign aircraft distinctly different call signs and allow controllers to add letters to call signs if needed for clarity. After doing this before; I was corrected as it interrupted aircraft tracking for company trackers and passenger services.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: ZDV Controller described a loss of separation event listing similar call signs as the direct cause.
Narrative: Air Carrier XXXX and a Company Air Carrier XXXY on the frequency at same time; not advised of similar sounding call signs; but both had been on same previous frequencies since SDF and CID; their departure locations. After Air Carrier XXXX checked on and was answered; the next transmission was for Air Carrier XXXY to descend now to FL340 then cross SAYGE at FL190 at 250 KTS. Air Carrier XXXY clearly read clearance back without any audible overlapping transmissions and the data block reflected that Air Carrier XXXY began descent. I noticed Air Carrier XXXX also descending when Mode C indicated FL357 and transmitted for Air Carrier XXXX to maintain FL360. The answer was stepped on by Air Carrier XXXY questioning the clearance. A second clearance to Air Carrier XXXX was given to turn 40 degrees right and maintain FL360. Response was also stepped on; but I heard Air Carrier XXXX say descending through FL355. After third transmission to Air Carrier XXXX asking him to verify level FL360; Air Carrier XXXX responded and verified level at FL360. The descent of Air Carrier XXXX put him in close proximity to an Airbus on another frequency (R9); responded to an RA after being turned by that controller to the right as well. The similar call signs directly contributed to this extremely close situation as well as the fact that the aircraft responded at exactly the same time. Assign aircraft distinctly different call signs and allow controllers to add letters to call signs if needed for clarity. After doing this before; I was corrected as it interrupted aircraft tracking for company trackers and passenger services.
Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.