Incident Overview
On November 7, 2013, a close proximity event occurred in the vicinity of Málaga Airport (LEMG). The incident involved two aircraft: a Piper PA-28-161 with registration EC-IKG, operated by Flight Training Europe, and an Airbus A320-214 with registration EI-DEA, operated by Aer Lingus. Both aircraft were in the en-route phase, specifically during their climb to cruise level.
Operational Context
The Piper PA-28, identified as call sign AYR52A, was conducting a dual-command training flight from Málaga to Jerez (LEJR). The Airbus A320, identified as EIN58Y, was on a commercial passenger flight from Málaga to Dublin (EIDW). At 11:33:25 UTC, the Piper PA-28 was in the takeoff roll on runway 13. Approximately two minutes and forty-seven seconds later, the Aer Lingus aircraft received clearance for takeoff from the Málaga Tower (TWR).
Contributing Factors
According to the investigation report IN-042/2013, a procedural omission contributed to the incident. Standard operating procedures between the Tower and the Approach Control unit required the Tower to request a handover ('suelta') to Málaga Approach if less than five minutes had elapsed since the first aircraft's departure. This step was not performed. Consequently, the Airbus A320 closed in on the Piper PA-28 until they were separated by only 0.6 nautical miles horizontally and 100 feet vertically while still on a common segment of their flight paths.
Outcome
No injuries were reported among the personnel on board either aircraft. The Piper PA-28 carried two individuals (an instructor and a student), while the Airbus A320 carried 155 people (6 crew members and 149 passengers). All parties remained unharmed.