Summary
On 21 July 2017, an incident occurred at Menorca Airport (LEMH) involving an Airbus A321 (registration G-OZBH) and an Aquila A-210 (registration D-EPIG). The Airbus A321, operated by Monarch Airlines, was on a scheduled passenger flight from Birmingham Airport (EGBB) to Menorca. The Aquila A-210, a private aircraft, had departed from the nearby San Luis aerodrome (LESL) for a local VFR flight. No injuries or material damage were reported.
History of the Flight
The Airbus A321 began an ILS approach to runway 01 at 10:48:00 local time after receiving clearance from ATS. At 10:44:45, the Aquila A-210 had taken off from runway 02 at San Luis aerodrome. The pilot of the Aquila was cleared by approach control to cross from east to west behind the flight path of the Airbus A321. At 10:49:27, when the Airbus was 2.5 NM from the runway at an altitude of 1200 ft, the Aquila crossed the flight path, triggering a TCAS RA ("LEVEL OFF") on the Airbus. The Airbus crew leveled off and executed a missed approach (go-around), subsequently landing normally on a later approach. The Aquila continued its flight without further incident.
Aircraft and Operator Information
The Airbus A321, registration G-OZBH, was owned and operated by Monarch Airlines, which ceased operations in October 2017. It carried 214 persons (5 crew and 209 passengers), all uninjured. The Aquila A-210, registration D-EPIG, was privately owned and carried two persons (pilot and passenger), both uninjured.
Personnel Information
The Airbus A321 crew held appropriate licenses and qualifications. The Aquila A-210 pilot held a private pilot license (PPL(A)). The controller on duty at Menorca Airport was licensed for approach and aerodrome control.
Cause
The investigation determined that the incident occurred because the pilot of the Aquila A-210 did not correctly follow the instructions provided by ATS and executed a maneuver that was different from the one he had requested and that had been authorized.