What happened
On 9 December 2022, an Airbus A300 (registration SXNEF) was conducting a VOR/DME approach to Runway 04 at Larnaca International Airport. During the approach, the aircraft was cleared to descend to 2000 feet. Simultaneously, several other aircraft were operating in the vicinity: a Grop G-115 (DELSP) orbiting near Salt Lake, a Tecnam P2006T (5BCMB) in the circuit, and an Airbus A321 (EMEDA) prepared for takeoff.
As the Airbus A320 descended, it breached its assigned altitude of 2000 feet. The Tower controller identified this descent below the restriction, which had been implemented to maintain separation from light aircraft in the circuit. At approximately 09:44:31, the Airbus A321 began its takeoff roll on Runway 04.
As the Airbus A320 continued its approach, it reached a point where the flight crew determined that a go-around was the safest course of action. At 09:46:35, the Airbus A320 initiated the go-around while the Airbus A321 was still rolling on the runway. This maneuver led to a significant loss of separation between the Airbus A320 and the departing Bombardier BD500. At one point, the two aircraft were separated by only 1.4 NM and 300 feet of altitude.
The investigation
The investigation examined the Air Approach Surveillance (APS) operations at Larnaca, which had been implemented only eleven days prior to the incident. The investigation noted that the APS position was being staffed by controllers undergoing On-the-Job Training (OJT). The investigation also reviewed the instrument approach procedures for Runway 04 and the specific vertical profiles required for non-precision approaches at the aerodrome.