Two Airbus A320 aircraft experienced a serious incident at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport in France late Sunday night, narrowly avoiding a collision on a runway. One jet, a Nouvelair flight, was cleared to land on runway 04L but instead approached runway 04R, which was occupied by an easyJet aircraft preparing for takeoff. The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. local time, leading to a go-around by the Nouvelair plane and the cancellation of the easyJet flight.
Key Takeaways
- Nouvelair flight BJ586 approached the wrong runway.
- EasyJet flight U24706 was already on the occupied runway.
- The aircraft came within approximately 10 feet of each other.
- French authorities are investigating the incident as a serious event.
- Reduced visibility due to fog and thunderstorms may have been a factor.
Close Call in France
The incident involved Nouvelair flight 586, which was inbound from Tunis, and easyJet flight 24706, preparing to depart for Nantes. Nice Airport was operating its parallel runways, 04L and 04R, which are positioned side-by-side over the water. Air traffic control had cleared the easyJet crew to line up and wait on runway 04R. Simultaneously, the Nouvelair flight received clearance to land on runway 04L.
However, the Nouvelair crew aligned their aircraft for runway 04R instead of 04L. They continued their approach down to the runway threshold where the easyJet plane was holding. Passengers on the easyJet aircraft reported hearing a loud noise and feeling strong vibrations as the other jet passed overhead.
The easyJet captain informed passengers that the Nouvelair A320 overflew them by approximately "three meters," which is about 10 feet. This indicates an extremely close proximity between the two commercial aircraft.
Immediate Response and Aftermath
Upon realizing the situation, the Nouvelair crew initiated a go-around maneuver. This procedure involves aborting the landing and climbing away from the runway to attempt another approach. The Nouvelair flight subsequently landed safely about 12 minutes later without further incident.
The easyJet flight, which was still on the ground, exited the runway and taxied back to the terminal. The airline canceled the flight for the night. Passengers scheduled to travel to Nantes were rebooked for flights the following day. This cancellation impacted numerous travelers and caused significant delays.
Incident Classification
- France’s accident bureau has classified this event as a "serious incident."
- Investigators have been dispatched to Nice to determine the exact cause.
Factors Under Investigation
Operating in the "04" direction at Nice Airport places both runway thresholds close together over the water. This setup requires precise identification of the correct runway by arriving aircraft crews. Initial reports suggest that reduced visibility may have contributed to the incident.
Around the time of the near-collision, weather conditions included fog and thunderstorms. Nighttime operations combined with degraded visibility can increase the risk of pilots mistaking one parallel runway for another. This makes accurate visual identification more challenging for flight crews.
Previous Incidents
Runway incursions and misalignments are serious concerns in aviation safety. They highlight the critical need for clear communication between air traffic control and flight crews, as well as robust cockpit procedures. Such events can have severe consequences if not managed correctly.
Potential Causes
The exact reason why the Nouvelair aircraft aligned with the wrong runway, despite another aircraft being present, is not yet clear. Investigators are looking into several possibilities:
- Visual Misidentification: Poor weather conditions may have led to the crew visually mistaking runway 04R for 04L.
- Air Traffic Control Miscommunication: There could have been a misunderstanding or mishearing of instructions from air traffic control.
- Runway Lighting Issues: Problems with the runway lighting system could have created confusion.
- Approach Selection Error: A mistake in selecting the correct approach in the aircraft's flight management system, combined with a breakdown in cross-checking procedures by the cockpit crew, is another area of focus.
The investigation will examine all these factors to establish a comprehensive understanding of what led to the near-collision. The findings will be crucial for implementing any necessary safety improvements to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Importance of Aviation Safety Protocols
This incident underscores the importance of strict adherence to aviation safety protocols. Pilots are trained to perform go-arounds when a landing is not stable or safe. This action prevented a potential catastrophe in Nice. Air traffic controllers also play a vital role in monitoring runway activity and issuing clear instructions.
Modern aircraft are equipped with various safety systems designed to alert pilots to potential hazards. However, human factors, environmental conditions, and procedural compliance remain central to preventing accidents. The aviation industry continuously reviews and updates its safety measures based on incidents like this one.
Key Safety Measures
- Go-Around Procedure: A critical safety maneuver to abort an unsafe landing.
- Air Traffic Control: Manages aircraft movements to ensure separation.
- Cockpit Cross-Checking: Pilots verify each other's actions and decisions.
- Runway Lighting: Essential for clear visual guidance, especially at night or in low visibility.
Looking Ahead
The French accident bureau will conduct a thorough investigation, including reviewing flight data recorders, cockpit voice recorders, and air traffic control communications. The results will provide critical insights into the sequence of events and any systemic issues. These investigations often lead to new recommendations for airlines, pilots, and air traffic control to enhance safety across the industry.
Passengers affected by the easyJet flight cancellation were provided with alternative arrangements. While disruptions are inconvenient, the priority in such situations is always the safety of everyone onboard and on the ground. This incident serves as a reminder of the complex and demanding environment in which air travel operates daily.
