History
On 12 March 2011, at approximately 13:00 UTC, a Dassault Falcon 2000, registration N994GP, operated by Elite Air Inc., and a Cessna 210, registration N8KR, were involved in a serious incident (AIRPROX) in the Geneva Terminal Manoeuvring Area (TMA). Both aircraft were on instrument flight rules (IFR) and visual flight rules (VFR) flights respectively.
The Falcon 2000 was conducting an IFR flight with two pilots. The Cessna 210 was a VFR flight with a pilot and a copilot. Air traffic control services were provided by Geneva Approach and the Flight Information Service (FIS).
Aircraft and Crew
Aircraft 1 (N994GP) was a Falcon 2000, manufactured by Assault Aviation. Its owner was Wells Fargo Bank Northwest Na Trustee, and it was operated by Elite Air Inc. The crew consisted of a commander and a copilot (PNF). Both held valid licences and ratings.
Aircraft 2 (N8KR) was a Cessna 210. Its pilot (PF) and copilot were on a VFR flight. The pilot held a private pilot licence with an instrument rating.
Air Traffic Control
Air traffic controllers involved included an approach controller, a trainee, and a flight information service controller. Communication and coordination between sectors were conducted according to standard procedures.
Meteorological Conditions
Meteorological information indicated visual meteorological conditions (VMC) in the Geneva area at the time of the incident. No significant weather was reported.
Loss of Separation
The incident involved a loss of separation between the two aircraft. The minimum distance between them was not specified in the report. The event was classified as a serious incident and an AIRPROX.
Causes
The Swiss Accident Investigation Board determined that the serious incident was caused by a loss of separation between an IFR flight and a VFR flight due to an air traffic control error.