Two planes narrowly avoided crashing into each other above Welshpool Airport, according to a report issued by the UK Airprox Board. The incident involved a Piper PA-28 Cherokee and an EV-97 EuroStar, both small microlight aircraft, approaching to land on March 30, 2024.
The report highlighted that the PA-28 pilot, waiting to land at Welshpool, noticed the EV-97 passing beneath them at around 200ft. The EV-97 pilot received an urgent transmission instructing them to land immediately, advising the PA-28 not to land. Despite this, the EV-97 continued with the landing while the PA-28 aborted and circled for clearance before returning to base.
An eyewitness on the EV97 expressed concern, stating there was no indication the PA28 was about to land on top of them and estimated a mere 50ft separation at the closest point. The report emphasised that timely action prevented a potential collision that could have resulted in serious injuries or worse.
The Airprox Board reviewed the pilots’ actions and acknowledged the risk of collision. They noted that the PA-28 pilot’s decision to abort landing significantly improved the separation between the two aircraft. The incident underscores the importance of effective communication between pilots to ensure air safety.
This near-miss incident serves as a reminder of the critical protocols and vigilance required to avoid accidents in busy airspace. Both pilots’ quick reactions and adherence to safety procedures played a crucial role in averting a potential disaster. Vigilance and clear communication continue to be essential in preventing such incidents in the future.