The UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched a formal probe into a serious air proximity incident involving an EasyJet passenger jet, which was forced into a sudden climb to avoid another aircraft.
The alarming event occurred on the afternoon of June 7th, as EasyJet flight EJU7244, an Airbus A320 carrying holidaymakers, was cruising at 37,000 feet over France. Air traffic controllers issued a critical Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) resolution advisory, instructing the EasyJet pilots to climb immediately.
Averting Disaster
According to the AAIB report, the crew responded instantly to the automated warning. The aircraft ascended sharply to create a safe separation from an intruding aircraft that had entered its airspace. The two planes were classified as being in a 'proximity' situation, meaning the risk of collision was high.
"The pilot of the Airbus A320 reported a proximity event with an unknown aircraft," the AAIB stated. "The AAIB is investigating the occurrence." While the exact distance between the two aircraft remains under investigation, such events are treated with the utmost seriousness by aviation authorities.
Safety Under Scrutiny
This incident highlights the continuous challenges of managing busy airspace. The AAIB's investigation will seek to identify the other aircraft involved and determine why the two flight paths converged so dangerously.
Key questions include whether the incident was a result of a technical error, a miscommunication with air traffic control, or an unauthorised incursion. The findings will be crucial for implementing new safety measures to prevent a recurrence.
A spokesperson for EasyJet confirmed the airline is fully cooperating with the authorities. "The safety and security of its passengers and crew is easyJet's highest priority," they said.
