What's Happening?
A serious incident occurred at Nice airport involving a Nouvelair-operated Airbus A320 and an easyJet-operated A320. The Nouvelair flight, arriving from Tunis, flew within feet of the easyJet aircraft during its final approach to runway 04L. The incident took place late at night on September 21, with the Nouvelair aircraft descending to an altitude as low as 50 feet above the easyJet plane. The French bureau of air accident investigations, BEA, has launched an inquiry into the event, deploying four investigators to the site. Nouvelair has cited challenging weather conditions, including heavy rain and limited visibility, as contributing factors.
Why It's Important?
This near miss highlights critical safety concerns in aviation, emphasizing the need for stringent protocols and effective communication systems to prevent such incidents. The investigation by BEA could lead to recommendations for improving safety measures at airports, particularly during adverse weather conditions. The incident underscores the importance of air traffic control and pilot vigilance in ensuring passenger safety. It also raises questions about the adequacy of current systems in handling complex situations, potentially influencing future regulatory changes and technological advancements in aviation safety.
