BA Citihopper DHC8 and E145 avert collison

An investigation has been launched into how two British Airways passenger planes on domestic flights almost collided above the UK.
A Bristol to Newcastle flight came within 1000ft of an aircraft from Glasgow as they flew over mid-Wales, but investigators believe they were much closer.

The incident took place at about 1900 BST on Wednesday, about 10 miles east of Llandrindod Wells, Powys.

Emergency anti-collision systems were activated and both planes were steered apart to avert the potential tragedy.

The [warning] system did exactly what it is designed to do so any risk of collision was eliminated

BA spokesman

The Civil Aviation Authority, which is investigating the incident, said the planes must have been closer than 1,000ft or no report would have been filed.

A BA spokesman said it was “unlikely” the passengers were aware of the incident.

Both aircraft were being guided by air traffic controllers at the London Area Control Centre at the time.

The Embraer 145 jet BA4029 carrying 43 passengers from Glasgow had been given the green light to descend and land in Bristol.

It had been flying at high altitude and was cleared to drop to 19,000ft.

Electronic warning

“For reasons to be investigated the Embraer 145 aircraft descended to below this cleared level,” a BA spokesman said on Thursday night.

Meanwhile, the Dash 8 aircraft BA4058 carrying 22 passengers was leaving Bristol for Newcastle and travelling at 18,000 ft.

The Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), an electronic warning device in the cockpit, was activated.

It advised both pilots of the necessary actions required to steer both flights to safety.

The Embraer climbed and the Dash descended.

Close examination

“The TCAS system did exactly what it is designed to do so any risk of collision was eliminated,” the spokesman added.

“An air proximity report has been filed following the incident involving two BA CitiExpress aircraft.”

A CAA spokesman said: “An investigation is under way but the two planes must have been closer together than 1,000ft or no report would have been filed.

“Nobody knows how close they were at this stage but closer examination of the facts and courses will reveal more.”

The investigation will be monitored by the independent UK Airprox (aircraft proximity report) Board.

The CAA said that from January to June 2001 there were 44 airprox incidents involving civil air transport and 33 of these were assessed as having no risk of collision.
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hmmm – this happened wednesday – what happened monday night!!!??

Still TCAS did it’s job and there was a fairly safe distance in the end between them so no harm was done – on this occasion, and we can’t blaim swanwick either on this 1 by the looks of it!!