Investigation into Airprox Incident Near Geneva Closed

Casualties unknown • MOLUS, CH

The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board has concluded its investigation into a near-collision involving two Airbus commercial aircraft near Geneva.

What happened

On August 11, 2002, at 12:55 UTC, an airprox event occurred within the Geneva ACC airspace near MOLUS. The incident involved two scheduled commercial flights operating at high altitudes. The first aircraft, an Airbus A320 with registration F-GTAL operated by Air France, was descending from flight level 360 to flight level 350. This descent was initiated in response to a TCAS Resolution Advisory (RA). Approximately one minute later, a second aircraft, an Airbus A319 with registration EWG4726 operated by Eurowings, was also descending through the same area, moving from flight level 380 to flight level 370.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the separation between the two aircraft during their respective descents. Authorities examined the flight paths and the automated collision avoidance maneuvers performed by the crews. Following a review of the operational data and the circumstances surrounding the TCAS-RA, the investigation was officially ceased.

Findings

Technical analysis of the encounter determined that the maneuver performed by the Airbus A320 was a direct result of a TCAS Resolution Advisory. However, the investigation concluded that the proximity between the Airbus A320 and the Airbus A319 did not constitute a high risk of collision.

Probable cause

The investigation found no significant collision risk, as the automated resolution advisory and the timing of the descents maintained sufficient separation.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-08-11 AIRBUS A319 accident near MOLUS, CH?

The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board has concluded its investigation into a near-collision involving two Airbus commercial aircraft near Geneva.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-08-11 involved a AIRBUS A319, registration UNKNOWN, at MOLUS, CH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The investigation found no significant collision risk, as the automated resolution advisory and the timing of the descents maintained sufficient separation.

Investigation report by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST). Original record: https://www.sust.admin.ch/inhalte/AV-berichte/AFR1505.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB), Switzerland.

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