Large Transport; Low Wing; 3 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 25; Flight Crew Total 24000; Flight Crew Type 100
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
We Departed ZZZ; at XA31 Local time on the ZZZZZ4 departure. After vectors; we were cleared direct to ZZZZZ intersection; climbing through approximately 11;000 feet; cleared to 16;000 [feet]. We were just above the Houston Class B near the western edge. We were with Houston Approach on 132.15. We became aware of traffic at 1230 and about 7 miles. I don't recall if the controller; the TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System); or my copilot pointed it out; but I speculated out loud that I thought we would pass above the traffic. As I recall the traffic was 900 feet above when I first saw it on the TCAS display. While climbing at 2;000 feet per minute; accelerating from 250 to 300 knots; we received a 'Descend; Descend' Resolution Advisory from the TCAS; directing us to reverse the climb and descend at more than 1500 feet per minute. We complied immediately and the copilot observed Aircraft Y pass less than 500 feet above us. He estimated 200 feet. As we were descending; the Controller cleared us to climb; and we advised that we were complying with a TCAS RA (Resolution Advisory). After passing the traffic the TCAS cleared and we resumed our climb after confirming with the controller that we were cleared to climb. After landing (more than three hours later) I called the Houston TRACON and spoke with the supervisor. He was aware of the incident; and had just finished debriefing with the controller. He advised that the situation arose when the controller was returning to duty from his break; and the conflict was missed in the transition from one controller to the next. As I understand; Aircraft Y was maneuvering VFR.
Flight Captain reported Near Mid Air Collision with twin engine aircraft during Climb.