What happened
On April 29, 2016, an Embraer EMB-145MP, registration EC-KSS, operated by Privilege Style, was performing a scheduled commercial flight from Porto, Portugal, to Madrid-Barajas, Spain. Prior to departure, the crew had anticipated potential operational disruptions due to weather and decided to carry an additional 800 kg of fuel to provide an extra hour of flight time.
During the flight, the aircraft encountered severe weather conditions within the Madrid Terminal Control Area (TMA). Frequent deviations and holding patterns were required to avoid intense thunderstorm cells. As the weather deteriorated, the Madrid approach control informed all aircraft that storms were preventing arrivals, leading to a suspension of approaches and departures.
As the flight progressed, the crew attempted to divert to their first alternate, Valencia, but were informed that the airport had reached its capacity and could not accept more traffic. The crew then requested a diversion to their second alternate, Barcelona. While navigating toward Barcelona, the crew calculated their remaining fuel and, at 20:30 UTC, declared a fuel emergency to request priority handling and return to Madrid-Barajas. The aircraft subsequently landed at Madrid-Barajas at 20:48 UTC with 768 kg of fuel remaining.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined the operational scenario, the crew's decision-making process, and the coordination between air traffic services and meteorological agencies. The investigation reviewed flight data, crew statements, and radar tracks. The inquiry also considered a prior study by the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) regarding the impact of severe storms on the Madrid TMA. The investigation focused on why the emergency was declared despite having sufficient fuel to reach the second alternate and how the management of airport capacity at alternate airfields contributed to the uncertainty faced by the crew.
Findings
- The crew was properly qualified, experienced, and physically fit, with all necessary licenses in order.
- The aircraft was well-maintained and compliant with all airworthiness requirements.
- Severe weather conditions caused a complex operational environment, leading to the cancellation of several arrivals and departures at Madrid-Barajas.
- The crew's decision to declare an emergency was driven by the need to demand priority attention and navigate an uncertain environment where alternate airports were reporting capacity limits.
- The declaration of a fuel emergency was inconsistent with standard operating procedures, as the aircraft still possessed sufficient fuel to reach the second alternate, Barcelona, with reserves above the minimum required by the operational flight plan.
- The management of available slots at alternate airports did not adequately respond to the exceptional needs created by the widespread weather disruption, which acted as a contributing factor.