A320 flight crew experiences a TCAS RA to climb while being vectored during descent. Intruder aircraft also continued to climb.
Synopsis
A320 flight crew experiences a TCAS RA to climb while being vectored during descent. Intruder aircraft also continued to climb.
Narrative
Being vectored in descent to FL230. At about FL250 I noticed possible conflict from aircraft at 10 miles; I noticed aircraft was climbing and closing on us. Commented to Captain about possible conflict. A couple of seconds later got 'Traffic; Traffic' TCAS alert. Shut off autopilot. Told him; 'we are going to get an RA'. A second or two later we got 'Climb; Climb' RA with the entire V/S indicator red; except for a sliver at the top. Went to TOGA and pitched up to sliver in top of VS indicator. We climbed up to 26;500 before TCAS commanded level off. At the same time that we got the CLIMB RA; the controller asked us to expedite our descent; an instruction that might have killed us. During the event I noticed on the ND that the intruding aircraft (a regional jet) was still red (-500 feet) as he passed below us; meaning (to me) he never stopped climbing as he flew towards us. The Captain said it was less than 300. This was my second RA that could have resulted in a mid-air in less than 2 months. The FAA; ALPA; and the company might want to reconsider allowing TCAS to be an item that can be deferred; especially in congested areas. I commend the training though; as I was looking only at the VS indicator; as trained; and the aircraft had ample energy to complete the RA. The Captain queried the controller after the incident; but received no response of consequence; and he elected not to pursue further action against the controller; who may have been task saturated.
Second reporter narrative
We were given a descent to FL230. TCAS displayed traffic oncoming. We saw it would be a conflict prior to the RA. Got an RA climb; executed maneuver; advised ATC; visually acquired target; came within 300 feet. After we began the climb; ATC said to increase descent. Had we followed his instructions versus the TCAS RA; it would have ended in a midair collision.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.