Description

On 12 May 2019, a Boeing 737-800 (G-GDCF) being operated by Jet2 on an international passenger flight from Manchester to Reus as EXS929 and a Diamond DA20 (EC-KMH) being operated by Aero Link Air Services and being flown by a solo student pilot on a qualifying VFR cross country flight from Sabadell to Reus as ARK1AK came into close proximity in day VMC whilst both inbound to Reus. The collision risk was resolved by the prompt response of the 737 crew to the TCAS RA they received. The minimum lateral separation was 1100 metres and the vertical separation was 200 feet.

Investigation

A Serious Incident Investigation was carried out by the Spanish Commission for the Investigation of Accidents and Incidents (CIAIAC). Relevant flight data were available from the 737 QAR as was a recording of TWR communications.

It was noted that the B737-800 crew had consisted of a 50 year-old Captain and a 28 year-old First Officer and that DA20 Student Pilot was a 20 year-old Iranian national. It was further noted that the Reus TWR position was occupied by a 23 year old Student Controller under the supervision of a 42 year old OJTI (on-the-job training instructor).

The prevailing weather conditions were CAVOK (cloud and visibility OK) and had no adverse bearing on the conflict which subsequently occurred.