Background
On 16 October 2017, two training aircraft operated by Etihad Flight College (Etihad Aviation Training) were conducting training missions under the control of Approach East Radar Control (APPE) at Al Ain International Airport. The aircraft were a Diamond DA42NG, registration A6-FTX, and an Embraer Phenom 100 (E50P), registration A6-EFA. The DA42 was crewed by one cadet pilot and one instructor pilot. The E50P carried two cadet pilots and one instructor pilot. No injuries were sustained. Both aircraft were equipped with Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS I).
Flight History
At approximately 0250 UTC, the DA42 was executing a VOR Z missed approach three nautical miles north of the airport. After receiving clearance from the APPE controller, the DA42 began a climb. The controller then instructed the DA42 to stop the climb due to other company traffic holding. The instructor pilot disengaged the autopilot and commenced a descent to the newly assigned altitude. At that moment, a Traffic Advisory (TA) sounded and appeared on the primary flight display (PFD) of both aircraft. The two aircraft came within close proximity, resulting in a loss of separation (AIRPROX).
Cause
The Air Accident Investigation Sector (AAIS) determined that the cause of this incident was the loss of minimum separation between the two aircraft, which were following instructions provided by ATC.