Incident Overview
Description
At 15:36 the Airbus 320 contacted Montpellier approach and reported descending through FL140. The crew were told to continue to VOR Frjorgues and descend to FL80. FL80 was reached at 15:39. At the same time a Grob G.103 glider plane (F-CGXB) was flying nearby at the same altitude. Both were on a collision course and the A.320 captain took avoiding action by banking to the right. The left wing of the Airbus collided with the Grob’s horizontal stabilizer. Both aircraft managed to make a safe landing. CAUSES PROBABLES: “L’abordage rsulte de l’inadquation du concept “voir et viter”, seul applicable dans cette partie de l’espace, compte tenu des caractristiques actuelles de l’aviation. Plus spcifiquement, l’abordage s’est produit parce que : – les occupants du G 103 n’ont pas vu l’A 320 sur leur travers gauche, – l’quipage de l’A 320 a discern trop tardivement le G 103 pour pouvoir, compte tenu de la vitesse de rapprochement des deux aronefs et du temps de dtection et de raction, en dpit de sa vigilance, russir sa manoeuvre d’vitement.”
Primary Cause
Inadequate maneuvering concept ? the pilot?s approach was deemed insufficient considering the aircraft’s characteristics and the proximity of the aircraft.Inadequate maneuvering concept ? the pilot?s approach was deemed insufficient considering the aircraft’s characteristics and the proximity of the aircraft.Share on:
