EasyJet Pilot’s Quick Thinking Averts Mid-Air Nightmare on New Year’s Eve
An EasyJet pilot has been hailed a hero after dodging a near-miss between an Airbus A320 and a small plane thanks to razor-sharp reactions. The close call, caused by an air traffic control blunder, took place on New Year’s Eve last year and has been officially branded a “serious encounter” by French aviation investigators.
ATC ‘Forgets’ Plane on Runway, Sparks Near Collision
The drama unfolded when a French air traffic controller “forgot” about a Robin DR400 light aircraft waiting to take off. Meanwhile, the Airbus A320 – packed with 179 passengers flying from London Gatwick to Bordeaux-Merignac – was cleared to land. The controller’s slip-up came amid a staffing cut from six to three controllers during a busy period, making the skies chaotic.
“FR traffic then became very dense. The controller… late authorised the A320 to land, forgetting the presence of the DR400 at the threshold.”
Spotting the danger, the DR400 pilot immediately alerted air traffic control. The A320 was ordered to abort its landing, narrowly avoiding disaster.
EasyJet Crew Out of the Loop But Followed Procedure Perfectly
EasyJet’s flight crew had no idea the small plane was right there; they were fully focused on the runway during the final approach. The airline said, “We are aware of the report regarding the ATC error, which confirms our pilots followed procedures at all times. The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority.”
The investigation revealed the A320 executed a missed approach, passing safely over the DR400 at roughly 178 feet and 290 metres from the runway. Both planes landed and took off safely after the scare.
Heroic DR400 Pilot Praised for Quick Action
The quick-thinking pilot of the Robin DR400 has been praised for their vital role in preventing what could have been a catastrophic mid-air collision. Thanks to their fast reaction and the EasyJet pilot’s steady nerves, disaster was narrowly avoided.
