What happened
On April 4, 2024, at 10:29 local time, a near collision occurred within the Class A airspace of the Madrid TMA involving two training aircraft departing from Madrid-Cuatro Vientos. The first aircraft, a TECNAM P2006T, registration EC-NTJ, was operating an IFR flight test for a CPL license. The aircraft was climbing through the Robledo de Chavela area toward 12,000 ft.
Simultaneously, a Reims F172M, registration EC-DZF, was conducting a local VFR training flight. The Reims F17/M entered the Class A airspace, which is restricted to IFR flights, while flying at approximately 6,400 ft.
As the TECNAM P2006T continued its climb, the vertical separation between the two aircraft reduced to just 100 ft, with a horizontal separation of only 0.1 NM. The crew of the TECNAM P2006T performed an evasive maneuver to avoid the collision and subsequently notified air traffic controllers and the other crew. The crew of the Reims F172M was reportedly unaware of the near miss.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined the flight operations, air traffic controller performance, and airspace design. The investigation found that the Reims F172M had infringed upon the Class A airspace. While the TECNAM P2006T was climbing, it briefly flew below the minimum radar surveillance altitude due to the presence of other traffic.
Investigators analyzed the air traffic controllers' actions in the Madrid TMA sector. It was determined that the controllers failed to identify the conflict. This failure was attributed to visual workload, divided attention, and a high volume of communications. Specifically, controllers were focused on other traffic and did not notice the Reims F172M, which appeared on radar as VFR traffic. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the STCA (Short Term Conflict Alert) system did not activate because the VFR flight path and altitude were unknown to the automated system.
Findings
- Airspace infringement by the crew of the Reims F172M, registration EC-DZF.
- Failure of air traffic controllers to identify the conflict.
- High visual workload and divided attention among controllers due to heavy traffic and communications.
- Airspace design complexities where Class A zones border Class G zones.
- Lack of flight information services in the Class G airspace below the Madrid TMA.
- Absence of a published air-to-air frequency for pilot communication.