TCAS Resolution Advisory Triggered During Near Miss Near Exuma

Casualties unknown • BS

A Bombardier CRJ-900 and an Embraer Phenom 100 were involved in a serious incident near Exuma International Airport after a mid-air conflict triggered a TCAS warning.

What happened

On February 12, 2026, at approximately 11:45 am local time, a Bombardier CL-600-2D24 regional jet, operating as PSA Airlines flight JIA5098 on behalf of American Airlines (registration N589NN), experienced a near-miss encounter with an Embraer EMB-500 (registration N316N) near Exuma International Airport in the Bahamas.

While descending from 7,000 feet, the crew of N589NN had transitioned from Instrument Flight Rules to Visual Flight Rules and were executing a left turn to avoid cloud cover and maintain spacing from other traffic. During this maneuver, the aircraft converged with the N316N Phenom 100, which was climbing from approximately 5,700 feet. The encounter triggered a Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) warning, followed by a Resolution Advisory (RA) instructing the pilot to climb.

In response to the RA, the pilot of N589NN disengaged the autopilot, applied full thrust, and pitched the aircraft up, climbing from 6,000 feet to approximately 7,600 feet. Following the resolution of the conflict, the aircraft continued its descent and landed at Exuma International Airport without further incident. While no aircraft damage was reported, two flight attendants on board N589NN sustained minor injuries during the encounter.

The investigation

The preliminary investigation examined radar data from Nassau Approach Control and statements from the flight crews. Radar imagery confirmed that as the two aircraft converged, the N58 89NN crew continued their left turn into the path of the climbing N316N. The investigation also reviewed the flight crew's actions regarding the TCAS settings and the execution of the RA maneuvers.

Probable cause

The encounter was characterized by the convergence of two aircraft during a period of maneuvering, specifically the left turn of the Bombardier jet into the direction of the climbing Embraer jet, which triggered a TCAS Resolution Advisory.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2026-03-16 Bombardier CL-600-2D24 accident near BS?

A Bombardier CRJ-900 and an Embraer Phenom 100 were involved in a serious incident near Exuma International Airport after a mid-air conflict triggered a TCAS warning.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2026-03-16 involved a Bombardier CL-600-2D24, registration N589NN, at BS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The encounter was characterized by the convergence of two aircraft during a period of maneuvering, specifically the left turn of the Bombardier jet into the direction of the climbing Embraer jet, which triggered a TCAS Resolution Advisory.

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