Incident Overview
On December 11, 2001, at approximately 13:50 UTC, a near-collision (airprox) occurred in the circuit of Geneva Airport. The incident involved KLM flight 1929, a Boeing 737-300 operating from Amsterdam to Geneva, and a private DR400 with registration F-BVCF, flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) from Albi, France, to Lausanne.
Sequence of Events
The pilot of F-BVCF encountered unfavorable weather conditions while flying on top of the cloud layer at flight level 075 between Albi and Chambéry. Upon reaching the VOR of Chambéry, the pilot requested a descent to 5,500 feet. The aircraft was transferred by Chambéry Approach to the Geneva TMA frequency (119.525). However, this frequency was not staffed due to personnel shortages, and an automated message instructed VFR traffic to avoid the Terminal Maneuvering Area (TMA).
The pilot of F-BVCF lost visual references and orientation. After failing to establish contact with Geneva TMA, the pilot returned to Chambéry Approach, reporting a lack of contact and deteriorating visibility. The pilot mistakenly believed they were near Annecy after passing a power plant with four chimneys, which was actually located near Geneva. Chambéry Approach realized the aircraft was in the vicinity of Geneva and instructed the pilot to contact Geneva Tower on 118.700.
Resolution and Separation
Geneva Tower became aware of the intrusion via a telephone alert from Geneva Approach, who had been notified by Chambéry Approach. At the time of the conflict, F-BVCF was located north of runway 05 threshold, 1.8 NM from the centerline, converging with KLM1929, which was on short final at the same altitude.
The Geneva Tower controller immediately issued a traffic advisory to KLM1929. The KLM pilot visually acquired the conflicting traffic. The pilot of F-BVCF also spotted the aircraft and initiated a left turn to avoid a collision. Following the incident, F-BVCF was authorized to land at Geneva without delay. The landing proceeded normally.
Established Facts
- Aircraft Involved: KLM1929 (Boeing 737-300) and F-BVCF (DR400).
- Location: Circuit of Geneva Airport, Runway 05.
- Time: December 11, 2001, approximately 13:50 UTC.
- Minimum Separation: 1.8 NM horizontal distance and 0 feet vertical difference.
- Weather: Visibility was 8 km with broken clouds at 1,500 ft. The pilot of F-BVCF reported losing orientation due to poor visibility while descending below the cloud layer.