What happened
On January 14, 2019, at approximately 16:25 local time, a near mid-air collision occurred within the Control Zone (CTR) of Jerez Airport. The incident involved two Piper PA28-161 Warrior II aircraft operated by Flight Training Europe.
The first aircraft, EC-IMR, was on a dual-instruction flight with an instructor and a student pilot. The crew was approaching the airport for landing and had been authorized by the tower controller to join the right downwind leg for runway 02. Simultaneously, the second aircraft, EC-</strong>JQB, was being operated by a student pilot flying solo. This aircraft had been cleared to depart runway 02 and was proceeding toward point E to exit the CTR.
As the aircraft progressed, the crew of EC-IMR observed another aircraft on a conflicting path. To prevent a collision, the instructor took control of EC-IMR and executed an evasive maneuver, involving a descending turn to the right. The crew of EC-IMR subsequently notified the air traffic controller of the encounter. There were no injuries and no damage to either aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation examined radar tracks, communications between the pilots and the tower, and the published aeronautical information (AIP) for Jerez Airport. Radar data showed that at 16:25:07, the horizontal distance between the two aircraft had reached zero.
While the controller had provided information regarding other traffic in the CTR, the investigation focused on the flight paths relative to the established departure procedures. The investigation also reviewed the statements from the pilot of EC-JQB, who initially suggested an altimeter error but later admitted to deviating from the standard procedure.
Findings
- The published departure procedure for Jerez Airport requires aircraft to climb in the upwind leg to 1,000 feet AGL before turning toward exit points E or W.
- The student pilot in EC-JQB performed the turn toward point E at only 600 feet AGL, rather than waiting to reach the required 1,000 feet.
- This premature turn placed the aircraft on a collision course with EC-IMR, which was entering the circuit at 1,000 feet.
- The student pilot failed to adhere to the published AIP procedures for exiting the Jerez CTR.