B717 (Formerly MD-95)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
We were cleared by Approach Control for a visual approach to Runway 6 at RSW in night VMC conditions. we were flying the ILS from IAF MUFFE to the runway when on an approximately 2 and ½ mile final and 700 ft AGL we received a TCAS TA immediately followed by a reduce vertical speed RA. The PF added power and started climb; while I looked down and left and saw an aircraft pass approximately 200 feet directly below us. I called traffic behind us and TCAS announced clear of conflict after which the PF returned to glideslope and made an uneventful landing. Immediately after traffic passing below us I called tower and reported a TCAS RA. Tower responded it must be the mosquito sprayer and seemed unconcerned. No traffic advisories were made by Approach Control or Tower.
A B717 flight crew; below 1;000 FT AGL flying a visual approach backed up by the ILS; suffered an NMAC with what the Tower casually identified as '...must be the mosquito sprayer.' The PF flying followed the RA commands and; when clear of traffic; regained the glide slope and continued to an uneventful landing.