Mid-air separation loss between Embraer EMB500 and Airbus A320 near Recife

Casualties unknown • RECIFE, PE, BR

A serious air traffic incident occurred near Recife, Brazil, when an Embraer EMB500 and an Airbus A320-251N experienced a loss of separation during a climb.

What happened

On January 2, 2019, at 12:20 UTC, an Embraer EMB500, registration PP-BGG, was performing a private flight departing from Recife/Guararapes-Gilberto Freyre Airport (SBRF) toward Cruz (SBJE). During its climb, the aircraft crossed paths with an Airbus A320-251N, registration PR-YRA, operated by Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras, which was on a flight from Campinas (SBKP) to Recife.

The two aircraft experienced a loss of separation, with vertical and horizontal distances dropping below 500ft and 0.5 NM, respectively. This encounter was classified as a critical risk air traffic incident. Following the crossing, both aircraft continued to their destinations without further incident. There were no injuries to the crew or passengers, and no damage was sustained by either aircraft.

The investigation

CENIPA examined communications between the Recife Tower (TWR-SBRF), Approach Control (APP-SBWF), and the pilots of both aircraft. The investigation focused on the coordination between the Tower and Approach controllers, as well as the pilot's adherence to altitude restrictions. The investigators reviewed the technical logs of both aircraft, which were both found to be in compliance with maintenance requirements, and analyzed the meteorological conditions, which were favorable for visual flight.

Findings

  • Communication errors between the Tower controller and the pilot of PP-BGG led to a misunderstanding of altitude restrictions. The pilot incorrectly read back an authorization, and the controller failed to correct the error.
  • The pilot of PP-BGG failed to maintain the established 2,000ft altitude limit, continuing the straight-in climb up to 3,000ft.
  • Inadequate coordination between the Approach and Tower controllers resulted in a flight path that allowed the aircraft to cross the takeoff axis, violating minimum separation standards.
  • High workload at the Tower position contributed to imprecise information delivery and a lack of essential traffic information being provided to the PP-BGG crew.
  • A lack of assertive monitoring by the Air Traffic Controller (ATCO) allowed the pilot's incorrect readback to go uncorrected.
  • The pilot's deviation from the planned flight path (failing to turn right at 2,000ft as intended) contributed to the conflict.

Probable cause

The loss of separation was caused by a combination of imprecise air traffic communications, the pilot's failure to adhere to an altitude restriction, and inadequate coordination between the Tower and Approach control positions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2019-01-02 aircraft accident near RECIFE, PE, BR?

A serious air traffic incident occurred near Recife, Brazil, when an Embraer EMB500 and an Airbus A320-251N experienced a loss of separation during a climb.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2019-01-02 involved a aircraft, registration PPBGG_PRYRA, at RECIFE, PE, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of separation was caused by a combination of imprecise air traffic communications, the pilot's failure to adhere to an altitude restriction, and inadequate coordination between the Tower and Approach control positions.

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