What happened
On March 19, 2021, at approximately 09:59 local time, a close proximity incident occurred near Santa Cruz del Retamar, Toledo, involving two aircraft operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) within the Madrid TMA.
The first aircraft, a TECNAM P200 and8 JC, registration EC-NKE, was conducting a flight instruction mission. The crew, consisting of an instructor and a student, was navigating toward the Toledo VOR at 4,500 ft. While cruising, the instructor observed a large shadow covering the left side of the cockpit and identified another aircraft approaching closely from the left.
The second aircraft, a homebuilt SPEED 2002, registration EC-XIE, was performing a local private flight. The pilot of EC-XIE reported observing a white high-wing aircraft ahead and decided to overtake it on the left. To increase the safety margin during the pass, the pilot of EC-XIE performed a slight descent to pass beneath the other aircraft.
The overtaking maneuver lasted approximately ten seconds. The crew of EC-NKE estimated the horizontal separation was between 10 and 30 meters, noting that the passing aircraft appeared to be traveling roughly 15 knots faster than their own speed of 80-85 knots IAS.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation focused on the separation between the aircraft and the effectiveness of collision avoidance measures. While primary radar tracks confirmed an echo moving in conjunction with EC-NKE, the investigation could not precisely determine the exact minimum vertical or horizontal separation due to the lack of secondary radar data for EC-XIE and the absence of flight recorders on either aircraft.
Investigators analyzed the pilots' statements and the regulatory requirements for Class G airspace. The instructor of EC-NKE did not take evasive action, likely because they believed the separation and the descending attitude of the overtaking aircraft were sufficient to maintain safety. The pilot of EC-XIE stated they chose to overtake on the left to avoid heavy traffic on the other side of the A-5 highway.
Findings
- The investigation determined that the lack of adherence to collision prevention rules by the pilot of EC-XIE regarding the maintenance of separation was the most probable cause.
- The proximity between the two aircraft was sufficiently close to compromise operational safety.
- The pilot of EC-XIE failed to maintain adequate distance from EC-NKE during the overtaking maneuver.