What happened
On July 29, 2014, at approximately 11:03 UTC, two aircraft experienced a near-midair collision within the Madrid Terminal Manoeuvring Area (TMA). The first aircraft, an Embraer 190/200LR, registration EC-LEK, was operating a scheduled commercial flight (AEA7234) from A Coruña (LECO) to Madrid-Barajas (LEMD). The aircraft had been cleared by Madrid Approach to descend to 5,000 feet for an ILS approach to runway 32L.
Simultaneously, a military Canadair CL-215T, registration UD.13-26 (callsign “FOCA26”), was performing a state flight from Málaga-Costa del Sol (LEMG) toward Torrejón (LETO). The military aircraft was operating under visual corridors established for the Torrejón airport under the direction of military air traffic control.
While positioned approximately 12 NM to the right of the Perales (PDT) VOR-DME at an altitude of roughly 6,400 feet, the crew of EC-LEK received a TCAS RA (Resolution Advisory) indicating the presence of the Canadair CL-215T on their right side. The aircraft reached a minimum horizontal separation of 1.4 NM and a vertical separation of only 200 feet. The crew of the Embraer 190 followed the TCAS instructions by adjusting their vertical speed. Following the resolution of the conflict, the crew notified Madrid Approach and completed their approach and landing without further incident. The crew of the military aircraft also landed safely at Torrejón.
The investigation
Following the incident, a joint investigation was established between the CIAIAC and the CITAAM, in accordance with existing agreements for investigating incidents involving both civil and military aircraft. The investigation, which officially opened in February 2015, involves a comprehensive analysis of operational aspects regarding both the flight crews and the air traffic controllers involved.