What happened
On July 7, 2019, at 10:41 UTC, a loss of separation occurred in the Barcelona TMA involving three aircraft: an Airbus A319, registration VP-BHJ, operated by Siberia Airlines; a Boeing 787-9, registration N/A, operated by Norwegian Air Shuttle; and an Airbus A320 operated by Vueling.
The incident began when the aircraft operated by Siberian Airlines was navigating the approach to Barcelona. While under the control of the approach sector, the aircraft deviated from its assigned procedure. During the approach, the aircraft's flight path intersected with that of the Boeing 787, leading to a near-miss situation. The aircraft involved in the conflict were flying in the vicinity of Barcelona airport, with the Airbus A320 also present in the sector.
Findings
The investigation revealed that the primary cause of the incident was the failure of the aircraft operated by Siberian Airlines to adhere to the assigned arrival procedure. The aircraft deviated from its expected path, which placed it on a collision course with the Boeing 787.
Additionally, the investigation noted that the air traffic controller in the approach sector did not prevent the deviation from the assigned route. The investigation also identified that the aircraft operated by Siberian Airlines was not following the established transition, which led to the loss of separation between the aircraft in the sector.
No injuries or damage to aircraft were reported during the event.