What happened
On June 26, 2022, at approximately 13:52 local time, a near-collision occurred at the uncontrolled Mallorca-Son Bonet Airport (LESB) involving two aircraft on final approach to runway 23. The first aircraft, a Pilatus PC-12/47E with registration OH-KBA, was conducting a non-commercial business flight. The second aircraft, an Airbus AS350 B3 with registration EC-MCM, was performing specialized aerial filming operations.
Prior to the event, the pilot of OH-KBA had been in contact with the Palma Terminal Area Control Centre (TACC Palma) and was informed of other traffic in the vicinity. The pilot of EC-MCM had also contacted TACC Palma, stating intentions to return to LESB, and was notified of the presence of OH-KBA approaching the airfield.
As the aircraft progressed through the traffic pattern, the EC-MCM transitioned from the downwind leg to base and then to final approach. At 13:51:51, the EC-MCM turned onto final approach while OH-KBA was only 0.10 NM from the runway. To avoid a collision, the crew of OH-KBA initiated an evasive maneuver, turning left and applying power to climb. The closest point of approach occurred at 13:52:01, with a horizontal separation of between 30 and 40 meters and nearly zero vertical separation.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined radio communications, airport surveillance footage, and radar tracks. The investigation established that while the crew of OH-KBA successfully identified the conflict and reacted, the pilot of EC-MCM did not perform any evasive maneuvers, as the presence of the other aircraft went unnoticed.
Investigators also reviewed the historical trend of similar incidents at LESB, noting a significant increase in traffic conflicts since 2020. The study found that approximately 90% of such events at this airport are related to communication failures within the traffic pattern, and about 40% involve interactions between fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the failure of the aircraft EC-MCM to follow the established airport traffic pattern by cutting the approach to runway 23.
- A contributing factor was the pilot's haste to land, which negatively influenced the decision-making process regarding the approach.
- Visual separation was ineffective due to the aircraft geometry and the pilot's position in the right-hand seat of the EC-MCM.
- The lack of standardized sequencing (such as using numbers to identify aircraft in the pattern) acted as a missed safety barrier.