What happened
On May 7, 2006, at 13:06 UTC, an Airbus A320-214, registration OK-GEB, operating as CSA 93D, experienced a near-collision while on approach to Prague - Ruzyně Airport (LKPR). The aircraft was flying from Moscow Sheremetyevo 2 (UUEE) at flight level 70 (FL 70) within the Prague TMA.
During the approach, approximately 10 NM from the EVANA waypoint, the crew observed an unidentified white glider with red markings on the nose and wingtips. The glider was flying in the opposite direction on approximately the same altitude, passing the Airbus A320-214 at a distance of about 300 meters to the right. Due to the sudden nature of the encounter, the crew was unable to perform any evasive maneuvers. The pilot of the commercial flight immediately reported the near-miss to Prague Approach (PEC).
Following the incident, the Airbus A320-214 continued its approach and landed safely at LKPR. The glider continued its flight, and its final destination and identity remained unknown.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined radar data, flight recorder information, and witness testimony. Primary radar (PSR) records indicated that the unidentified aircraft had entered the TMA VII airspace from outside its boundaries earlier that day, likely circling to gain altitude.
Radar analysis showed the unidentified aircraft's path crossed the path of CSA 93D from the right. A witness, a pilot flying in the Doksany area, confirmed seeing the Airbus and the glider, noting that the glider was momentarily obscured by the larger aircraft's silhouette before disappearing into the clouds.
At the time of the incident, the Prague Approach controller had no information regarding the glider's presence in the controlled airspace. The controller's display was configured to show only SSR (Secondary Surveillance Radar) targets, and because the glider was not equipped with an SSR transponder, it did not appear on the controller's radar symbology.