2018 Madrid CTR Incident Involving Multiple Aircraft

Overview and Investigation Scope On 27 May 2018, an incident involving several aircraft occurred in the airspace of the Madrid CTR (control zone). The investigation was conducted by the Comisión de Investigación de Accidentes e Incidentes de Aviación Civil (CIAIAC), the Spanish civil aviation accident and incident investigation commission. The report, designated IN-031/2018, was issued by the Spanish Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda. The investigation was of a technical nature, aimed at preventing future accidents and incidents, and did not establish blame or liability. ## Aircraft Involved The incident involved multiple aircraft, all in the approach phase under IFR (instrument flight rules) operations. The aircraft and their operators were as follows: - Aircraft 1: Airbus A-320, registration CS-TNQ, operated by TAP Air Portugal. Owner: Wells Fargo Bank Northwest. 6 crew and 166 passengers on board. - Aircraft 2: Bombardier CL600 2E25, registration EC-LJS, operated by Air Nostrum. Owner: ACY SN 19003 Limited. 4 crew and 80 passengers on board. - Aircraft 3: Boeing 737-800, registration EI-FZR, operated by Ryanair. Owner: Ryanair Designated Activity Company. 6 crew and 170 passengers on board. - Aircraft 4: Bombardier CL600 2E25, registration EC-LJR, operated by Air Nostrum. Owner: ACY SN 19002 Limited. 4 crew and 93 passengers on board. - Aircraft 5: Airbus A-320, registration EC-LYM, operated by Iberia Express. Owner: SMBC Aviation Capital Limited. 6 crew and 169 passengers on board. - Aircraft 6: Boeing 737-800, registration EI-FTY, operated by Ryanair. Owner: Ryanair Designated Activity Company. 6 crew and 176 passengers on board. - Aircraft 7: Boeing 737-800, registration EC-LXV, operated by Air Europa Líneas Aéreas. ## Injuries and Damage No injuries were reported among the persons on board any of the aircraft. The source does not provide specific details on damage to the aircraft or other damage. ## Investigation Findings The investigation analyzed several factors, including the decision to change the airport configuration, the impact of this change on the Madrid TMA (terminal control area), the stormy weather procedure, and the suitability of weather information available to air traffic controllers. The report also examined the approaches to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport and identified multiple losses of separation (A, B, C, and D). The investigation was conducted in accordance with Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Convention and relevant European and Spanish regulations.