EMBRAER EMB-135KL near Chicago, IL — 2010-04-22

Probable cause

The air traffic controller's issuance of an improper takeoff clearance to the pilot of the Embraer. Contributing to the incident was the instructor’s inadequate monitoring of the trainee local controller.

NTSB narrative

An operational error occurred when an Embraer regional jet departing from runway 9R conflicted with a Raytheon-Beech King Air conducting a navigational flight check of equipment associated with runway 32. Both airplanes were receiving air traffic control services and were operating in Class B airspace. The control position handling the two airplanes was being operated by a trainee controller and an instructor. The trainee issued an improper takeoff clearance and departure heading to the regional jet that caused it to conflict with the King Air. The instructor did not notice the error and failed to intervene to prevent the loss of separation.

NTSB coding

• Near midair/TCAS alert/loss of separation · Initial climb
• Near midair/TCAS alert/loss of separation · Approach-VFR go-around
• Go-Around (VFR)

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