Incident: Alitalia A321 and Easyjet A319 near Geneva on Aug 6th 2011, loss of separation
By Simon Hradecky, created Saturday, Aug 27th 2011 16:07Z, last updated Saturday, Aug 27th 2011 16:11Z
An Alitalia Airbus A321-100, registration I-BIXN performing flight AZ-325 from Paris Charles de Gaulle (France) to Rome Fiumicino (Italy), was enroute at FL370 about 15nm west of Geneva (Switzerland) when the controller advised there was another aircraft not in contact with them about 1nm from them climbing to their level. Seconds later the crew reported a TCAS resolution advisory to climb which the crew complied with. The controller apologized stating that he had no contact to the other aircraft that was climbing in contact with Marseille (France) radar. After the aircraft got clear of conflict the Alitalia crew returned to FL370 and continued to Rome for a safe landing.
Switzerland's BFU reported, that an Easyjet Switzerland Airbus A319-100, registration HB-JZQ performing flight U2-1059 from Basel/Mulhouse (Switzerland/France) to Palma Mallorca,SP (Spain), was climbing when the aircraft conflicted with the Alitalia A321. The BFU stated: "Close encounter between two aircraft, one in level flight, the other during climb, on crossing tracks." An investigation has been opened.
Radar data suggest the Easyjet climbed above FL360 before descending to FL350, the crossing point of both aircraft being over French territory. A few minutes later the aircraft climbed to FL370 and continued to Palma Mallorca for a safe landing.
