Summary
On 29 November 2024 at 11:57 UTC, a serious incident occurred in the control zone (CTR) of Maribor Airport (LJMB) involving an Airbus A320 (registration D-AIUV) operated by Discovery Airlines and an Aerospatiale AS350 (registration OE-XWF) operated by Flycom Aviation. The A320 was performing base training flights with touch-and-go landings on runway 32, while the AS350 was returning from an aerial filming task. The two aircraft came into dangerous proximity approximately 3 NM northwest of the threshold of runway 32, with a horizontal distance of less than 1 NM and a vertical distance of around 270 feet.
Factual Information
Flight Details
The A320 crew had been conducting touch-and-go landings on runway 32. After the second touch-and-go, while climbing to 2400 feet, the crew observed on TCAS an aircraft approaching from the direction of Maribor city, from right to left, at 2100 feet and climbing. This was the AS350, which had entered the CTR via VFR entry point ME2 and was instructed by the aerodrome controller to fly towards Maribor city. The dangerous encounter occurred as the AS350 was crossing the extended centerline of the runway.
Timeline
- 11:42: A320 received taxi clearance to holding point RWY32.
- 11:44: A320 cleared for line-up and back track.
- 11:45: AS350 reported position and intention to land at LJMB; controller instructed climb to 3500 feet and report passing ME2.
- 11:46: A320 cleared for takeoff RWY32 with instruction to join right-hand traffic pattern and climb to 2500 feet.
- 11:51: A320 reported 15 seconds before third turn; controller instructed to extend downwind for 20 seconds then report final. AS350 reported passing ME2 at 3500 feet; controller instructed to continue towards Maribor at 3500 feet.
- 11:52:39: Controller issued traffic information to A320 about aircraft in left downwind and over threshold. A320 responded that they saw them on TCAS and were turning final at 5 NM.
- 11:54:38: A320 reported final approach 2 NM from threshold.
- 11:54:50: Controller cleared A320 for touch-and-go with wind information.
- 11:55:26: AS350 reported position over city; controller instructed to proceed west, cross extended centerline, then cleared VFR approach to join left traffic pattern for RWY32. AS350 acknowledged.
Aircraft and Crew
The A320 had a flight crew; the AS350 had a pilot. No other occupants were reported. No injuries occurred to crew or passengers. Aircraft and equipment were undamaged.
Meteorological and Navigational Information
The report mentions meteorological data and navigational aids were considered but no specific details are provided in this excerpt.
Analysis
The analysis in the report examined the actions of the flight crews and air traffic control, as well as the weather conditions. It determined that the serious incident resulted from a combination of factors related to planning and communication.
Conclusions
Findings
The investigation identified several factual findings, though specific details are limited to the reported sequence.
Cause of the Serious Incident
Direct cause: Inadequate planning and execution of the approach procedure by the air traffic controller, resulting in insufficient vertical separation between the two aircraft.
Indirect cause: Deficient communication between the aircraft crew and air traffic control, and incomplete traffic information.
Safety Recommendations
The report includes safety recommendations, but their specifics are not detailed in the provided source text.