A320 / B738, vicinity Dubai UAE, 2012

A320 / B738, vicinity Dubai UAE, 2012

Summary

On 22 April 2012, an Airbus A320 and a Boeing 737 came into close proximity near Dubai whilst on the same ATC frequency and correctly following their ATC clearances shortly after they had departed at night from Sharjah and Dubai respectively. The Investigation found that correct response by both aircraft to coordinated TCAS RAs eliminated any risk of collision. The fact that the controller involved had only just taken over the radar position involved and was only working the two aircraft in conflict was noted, as was the absence of STCA at the unit due to set up difficulties.

Description

On 22 April 2012, an Airbus A320 (A6-ABS) being operated by Air Arabia on a scheduled passenger flight from Sharjah to Istanbul as ABY0281 and a Boeing 737-800 (A6-FDK) being operated by flydubai on a scheduled passenger flight from Dubai to Doha as FDB17 came into conflict northwest of Dubai in night VMC whilst correctly following their respective ATC clearances. Coordinated TCAS RAs occurred and were followed which eliminated any risk of collision. ATC clearance error was attributed to an unstructured ATC position handover, the lack of STCA and the airspace structure.

Investigation

An Investigation was carried out by the UAE GCAA Air Accident Investigation Sector (AAIS). Data recorded on the FDRs of both aircraft was successfully downloaded and ATC radar and voice recordings were available.

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