What happened
On September 21, 2012, two business jets were involved in a close encounter while approaching runway 06 at Ibiza Airport (LEIB). The first aircraft, a Bombardier BD-700-1A10 with registration EC-JIL, was flying from Nice to Ibiza. Simultaneously, a Dassault Falcon 2000, registration CS-DNP, was arriving from Porto.
As both aircraft were being vectored for the approach, their flight paths converged. The controller instructed CS-DNP to turn and cross the localizer, but the crew experienced significant confusion regarding the instructions. During the maneuvering, the two aircraft flew within 1.2 nautical miles horizontally and only 300 feet vertically of each other. The encounter was only resolved after the Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) issued Resolution Advisories (RA) to both crews, prompting the Bombardier to descend and the Dassault to climb.
The investigation
The investigation established that CS-DNP had passed the Initial Approach Fix (IAF) TILNO without receiving the necessary clearance from Ibiza Approach. The controller was managing both the approach and route sectors simultaneously, which resulted in a distorted radar view.
Investigators found that the controller provided instructions to CS-DNP to cross the localizer without explaining the reason for the specific heading, a violation of Spanish Air Traffic Regulations. Furthermore, while communications with CS-DNP were in English, the controller was communicating with EC-JIL in Spanish. This prevented the crew of CS-DNP from understanding the full approach sequence and the presence of the preceding aircraft.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the convergence of the flight paths of EC-JIL and CS-DNP due to the lack of proper separation.
- CS-DNP crossed the IAF without authorization, as the crew lacked situational awareness regarding the approach sequence.
- The use of Spanish for communications with EC-JIL contributed to the confusion, as the crew of CS-DNP could not understand the traffic situation.
- The controller failed to provide the required reasons for the radar vectors issued to CS-DNP.
- Vertical separation was not maintained, with the aircraft passing within 300 feet of each other.