Mid-air separation loss between two training aircraft at Son Bonet Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • Aeropuerto de Son Bonet (Illes Balears), ES

A near-collision occurred at Son Bonet Aerodrome when a TECNAM P2002-JF entered the traffic circuit flying in the wrong direction, resulting in a vertical separation of less than 50 feet.

What happened

On 20 March 2024, a loss of separation occurred between two light aircraft operating in the airfield traffic circuit at Son Bonet Aerodrome, Balearic Islands. The first aircraft, a CZECH AIRCRAFT PS-28 CRUISER with registration EC-NQA, was conducting a training flight involving touch-and-go maneuvers. The aircraft had completed a touchdown on runway 05 and was proceeding through the crosswind leg toward the left tailwind leg.

Simultaneously, a TECNAM P2002-JF, registration EC-NZS, was returning to the aerodrome from the north as part of a solo navigation training flight. The pilot of the TECNAM P2002-JF had communicated with the crew of the EC-NQA via radio, requesting traffic information and stating the intention to join the circuit via the NN waypoint to enter the tailwind leg for runway 05. The crew of the EC-NQA confirmed they were on short final for runway 05.

As the EC-NZS joined the circuit approximately halfway along the tailwind leg, the pilot turned to the left. This maneuver placed the aircraft in the opposite direction of the established traffic pattern. Consequently, the two aircraft passed each other flying in nearly opposing directions with a vertical separation of less than 50 ft. Neither aircraft sustained damage, and all occupants were unharmed.

The investigation

The investigation examined the radio communications, flight paths, and aerodrome procedures. It was established that both crews were in radio contact and were aware of each other's positions and intentions prior to the encounter. The investigation also reviewed the aerodrome traffic circuit diagrams and the operational status of both aircraft during their respective training maneuvers.

Findings

  • The meteorological conditions were not a limiting factor for the flight.
  • The crews of both aircraft maintained radio contact and were aware of the other's position.
  • The EC-NQA was following the established aerodrome traffic circuit.
  • The TECNAM P2002-JF joined the circuit and flew in the wrong direction on the tailwind leg.

Probable cause

The incident was caused by the pilot of the TECNAM P2002-JF failing to adhere to the established aerodrome traffic circuit procedures, resulting in the aircraft flying in the opposite direction of the established flow on the tailwind leg.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2024-03-20 CZECH AIRCRAFT PS-28 CRUISER accident near Aeropuerto de Son Bonet (Illes Balears), ES?

A near-collision occurred at Son Bonet Aerodrome when a TECNAM P2002-JF entered the traffic circuit flying in the wrong direction, resulting in a vertical separation of less than 50 feet.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2024-03-20 involved a CZECH AIRCRAFT PS-28 CRUISER, registration EC-NQA, at Aeropuerto de Son Bonet (Illes Balears), ES.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The incident was caused by the pilot of the TECNAM P2002-JF failing to adhere to the established aerodrome traffic circuit procedures, resulting in the aircraft flying in the opposite direction of the established flow on the tailwind leg.

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