An easyJet flight experienced a serious near collision with another passenger aircraft at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport in France. The incident occurred late on September 21, when a Nouvelair plane reportedly flew just feet above the waiting easyJet aircraft. French authorities have launched an investigation into the event.
Key Takeaways
- An easyJet flight was involved in a near miss with a Nouvelair plane at Nice Airport.
- The incident happened on September 21, around 11:30 p.m. local time.
- French investigators are currently probing the event.
- EasyJet pilots stood down from duty, and the flight was canceled.
- Poor weather conditions, including heavy rain and low visibility, were reported.
Details of the Incident at Nice Airport
The easyJet flight U24706, an Airbus A320-214, was preparing for departure to Nantes Atlantique Airport in western France. It was positioned on Runway 04R at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, awaiting clearance for takeoff from air traffic control. At the same time, Nouvelair flight BJ586, also an Airbus A320-214, was approaching for landing from Tunis-Carthage International Airport in Tunisia.
According to flight data reviewed by FlightRadar24, the Nouvelair aircraft passed directly over the stationary easyJet plane. Reports indicate the distance between the two aircraft was as little as 10 feet. This close proximity raised immediate safety concerns and prompted an investigation.
“We were lined up on the runway, ready to take off. Suddenly, we heard a huge noise in the cabin and felt strong vibrations,” Sacha, an easyJet passenger on the flight, told local outlet Nice-Matin. “The Nouvelair plane passed over us, about three meters away according to the pilots.”
Immediate Aftermath and Passenger Accounts
Following the near collision, the Nouvelair flight initiated a go-around maneuver. It then landed safely 16 minutes later. Passengers on the easyJet flight reported a sudden loud noise and strong vibrations inside the cabin. This indicated the close proximity of the other aircraft.
The easyJet captain, visibly upset by the incident, returned the aircraft to the parking area. An easyJet spokesperson confirmed that the pilots involved were immediately stood down from duty. This action is standard procedure following such serious events. The flight to Nantes was subsequently canceled.
Aircraft Dimensions
- The tail of an Airbus A320-200 is approximately 38 feet 7 inches (11.7 meters) tall.
- This means the Nouvelair plane flew extremely close to the easyJet aircraft's tail.
Investigation Launched by French Authorities
France's Bureau of Investigation and Analysis (BEA) for Civil Aviation Safety has classified the event as a "serious incident." On September 22, the BEA announced that a team of four investigators had been dispatched to Nice. Their role is to gather information and determine the cause of the near miss.
By September 23, the BEA confirmed that investigators had collected initial testimonies from crew members. They also gathered meteorological data from the time of the incident. Crucially, all four flight recorders from both aircraft were secured. These recorders contain vital data that will help reconstruct the events leading up to the incident.
Air Traffic Control Directives
Radio recordings reportedly suggest the Nouvelair plane may have attempted to land on the wrong runway. Arriving traffic at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport was directed to Runway 04L that evening. However, the Nouvelair flight appears to have approached Runway 04R, where the easyJet plane was waiting.
FlightRadar24 data supports that Runway 04L was exclusively used for arriving traffic. However, FlightRadar24 could not independently confirm the specific runway assignment given to the Nouvelair plane by air traffic control.
Airline Responses and Safety Protocols
Both easyJet and Nouvelair have issued statements regarding the incident. An easyJet spokesperson emphasized the airline's commitment to safety. They stated that the airline is fully cooperating with the ongoing safety investigation. This cooperation aims to understand all factors involved.
“The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority,” an easyJet spokesperson said. “In line with procedures, we are fully cooperating with the safety investigation that has been launched in order to understand what has happened.”
Weather Conditions as a Factor
Nouvelair, the Tunis-based airline, cited challenging weather conditions at the time of the incident. In a translated post on X (formerly Twitter) on September 22, the airline described the conditions as "particularly challenging." They noted "very heavy rain and extremely reduced visibility" during the landing of flight BJ586.
Nouvelair reaffirmed its commitment to passenger and crew safety. The airline stated that all its operations adhere strictly to international standards. They also confirmed their full cooperation with the authorities in the investigation. The airline pledged to provide all necessary support to ensure a smooth and thorough inquiry.
This incident highlights the critical importance of clear communication between air traffic control and flight crews. It also underscores the need for strict adherence to procedures, especially during adverse weather conditions. The investigation will aim to identify any procedural lapses or communication errors that may have contributed to the near miss.
Impact on Future Operations
The findings of the BEA investigation will be crucial for both airlines and air traffic control. Recommendations from the report could lead to updated safety protocols or operational changes. Such measures would aim to prevent similar incidents in the future. Passenger safety remains the primary concern for all parties involved in air travel.
The aviation industry continuously reviews and updates its safety measures. Incidents like this serve as reminders of the complexities involved in managing air traffic, especially at busy international airports and during challenging environmental conditions.
