What happened
On December 16, 2010, an Airbus A320-214, registration EC-HDK, operated by Iberia, was performing a regular commercial flight from Casablanca to Madrid/Barajas. While on approach to runway 33L, the crew was vectored by air traffic control to intercept the localizer.
Simultaneously, a privately operated Cessna T-210-M, registration EC-FAN, was conducting a VFR flight from Sabadell to Madrid/Cuatro Vientos. Due to a strong tailwind and a decision to deviate from the planned route to avoid mountainous terrain, the aircraft drifted into restricted airspace.
As the aircraft approached the Madrid terminal area, the controller identified the presence of the Cessna. During the flight, the aircraft descended through 4,000 feet, placing it in a position that threatened the arrival path of the Airbus. At approximately 13:00 local time, the Airbus crew received a TCAS alert. The aircraft eventually passed within close proximity, but the Airbus crew performed the necessary maneuvers to maintain separation. The Cessna continued its flight to its destination without further incident.
Analysis
The investigation determined that the pilot of the Cessna failed to maintain the required flight path, leading to the unauthorized entry into the controlled airspace. The pilot relied on visual landmarks and experienced significant drift due to wind conditions, which resulted in the aircraft entering the Madrid TMA.
While the Airbus crew successfully responded to the TCAS alert, the incident highlighted the vulnerability of the terminal area to unauthorized incursions. The investigation also noted that the Cessna pilot's reliance on visual navigation without sufficient cross-checking of altitude and position contributed to the deviation.