Incident Overview
On July 22, 2023, a serious incident involving two commercial aircraft occurred in the Sal Oceanic Flight Information Region (FIR). The aircraft involved were:
- Aircraft 1: Boeing 737 MAX 8, registration OK-SWM, operated by SmartWings, flight TVS2181, from Amílcar Cabral International Airport (GVAC) on Sal Island, Cape Verde, to Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (LPPR) in Porto, Portugal. The crew consisted of two pilots and 183 passengers.
- Aircraft 2: Boeing 777-32W(ER), registration PT-MUB, operated by LATAM, flight TAM8065, from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (LEMD) in Madrid, Spain, to Guarulhos International Airport (SBGR) in São Paulo, Brazil.
Sequence of Events
The incident occurred during the climb phase of TVS2181 after departure. TVS2181 had been cleared to climb to Flight Level 310 (FL310) by Sal Area Control Centre (ACC) around 01:25:26 UTC, after passing waypoint PISPU. Meanwhile, TAM8065 was cruising at FL300 in the opposite direction. TVS2181's Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) indicated TAM8065 at an altitude approximately 2700 feet above, while TVS2181 was climbing through FL275.
Despite awareness of TAM8065, the air traffic controller (ATC) cleared TVS2181 to climb to FL330 at 01:33:38, without informing the crew of the opposite traffic. In response to sighting the opposing traffic, TVS2181 significantly reduced its rate of climb to maintain adequate vertical separation. The crew immediately informed ATC of the traffic above and requested confirmation of the cleared altitude and additional traffic information. However, ATC maintained the climb clearance to FL330 until 01:34:18.
The crossing point occurred when TVS2181 reached FL284, with a vertical separation of approximately 1600 feet from TAM8065, which remained at FL300. During this time, TVS2181's rate of climb was essentially zero. After crossing, TVS2181 continued climbing to FL330 and resumed its planned trajectory.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The commander of TVS2181, a 35-year-old male Czech national, held a valid Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL(A)) and medical certificate. The first officer, a 35-year-old male Polish national, held a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL(A)) and medical certificate. The air traffic controller, a 46-year-old male Cape Verdean national, held a valid ATC license issued by the Civil Aviation Agency (AAC) and a valid medical certificate.
Air Navigation System
Aeroportos e Segurança Aérea (ASA), which manages the Sal Oceanic FIR, had recently acquired updated air navigation systems, ManagAIR and Garex300, which became operational in June 2023. All controllers received training on the updated system.
Investigation Status
The Instituto de Prevenção e Investigação de Acidentes Aeronáuticos e Marítimos (IPIAAM) initiated an investigation in accordance with ICAO Annex 13. The investigation is ongoing, with a planned duration of up to twelve months. No damage to either aircraft was reported, and no injuries occurred.