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Hsv controller experienced loss of separation event when issuing a center directed climb but assuming; then issuing; the wrong altitude.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 866301 |
| Time | |
| Date | 200912 |
| Local Time Of Day | 1201-1800 |
| Place | |
| Locale Reference | HSV.Airport |
| State Reference | AL |
| Environment | |
| Flight Conditions | VMC |
| Light | Dawn |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | PA-32 Cherokee Six/Lance/Saratoga/6X |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 91 |
| Flight Phase | Cruise |
| Route In Use | None |
| Flight Plan | IFR |
| Aircraft 2 | |
| Make Model Name | M-20 Series Undifferentiated or Other Model |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 91 |
| Flight Phase | Climb |
| Route In Use | Vectors |
| Flight Plan | IFR |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Approach Local |
| Qualification | Air Traffic Control Fully Certified |
| Experience | Air Traffic Control Radar 0.5 Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (mon) 6 |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | ATC Issue All Types Conflict Airborne Conflict |
| Miss Distance | Vertical 400 |
Narrative:
A PA32 was cruising at 6000 ft on a 240 degree on-course heading. An M20P called departing an airport looking for an IFR flight plan; requesting 6000 ft as final cruise altitude. I asked him what his on-course heading was he said 274 degrees. So once the M20P had passed behind the PA32; I knew I had course divergence and was going to turn the M20P on course and climb him to 6000 ft. Before I did; the center called up and told me to turn the M20P on course and keep him at 5000 ft. I was expecting them to say turn him on course and climb him. So I did; not hearing the 5000 part. The mooney's on course heading was actually about 220 degrees; and the mooney merged towards the piper and separation was lost. What really caused the problem was my lack of focus and assuming what the center controller was going to say instead of actually listening.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: HSV controller experienced loss of separation event when issuing a center directed climb but assuming; then issuing; the wrong altitude.
Narrative: A PA32 was cruising at 6000 FT on a 240 degree on-course heading. An M20P called departing an airport looking for an IFR flight plan; requesting 6000 FT as final cruise altitude. I asked him what his on-course heading was he said 274 degrees. So once the M20P had passed behind the PA32; I knew I had course divergence and was going to turn the M20P on course and climb him to 6000 FT. Before I did; the Center called up and told me to turn the M20P on course and keep him at 5000 FT. I was expecting them to say turn him on course and climb him. So I did; not hearing the 5000 part. The Mooney's on course heading was actually about 220 degrees; and the Mooney merged towards the Piper and separation was lost. What really caused the problem was my lack of focus and assuming what the Center Controller was going to say instead of actually listening.
Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 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.