Pilot of Airbus 321 reported near miss with 4 gliders over Leighton Buzzard
The pilot of an Airbus 321 has described narrowly missing four gliders over Leighton Buzzard as it approached Luton Airport,
The incident happened over on April 27, when the pilot reported seeing a glider flying at the same level, north of the Airbus.
The First Officer then looked out of the right-hand window and observed ‘at least three’ additional gliders in close proximity. The gliders were close enough for visual details to be identifiable.
According to a report by UK Airprox Board, the "gliders appeared to be operating in, or very close to, controlled airspace at the same level as the aircraft".
The report states air traffic control staff ‘could not believe what (the pilot) had said, and it took them a while to process’.
A second air traffic controller had plugged-in as their watch was finishing and ‘they looked at one another in disbelief’. They turned the A321 left ‘on to a base leg’ and asked the pilot to confirm that it was a glider, at the same level. The Airbus pilot replied “yes, 5000ft”.
Air Traffic Control staff said safety concerns concerning how gliders operated from Dunstable Downs had been raised in the past. They stated the gliders did not have radios or transponders, often relying on the pilots of incoming airlines to physically spot them.
They told investigators that "something needs to be done to aid the safe integration of gliding traffic if they are to operate so close to a busy London airport".
The glider traffic was briefed and monitored by the crew. No avoiding action was taken and, after the matter was reported to Air Traffic Control (ATC), the Airbus continued to a safe approach and landing.
The London Gliding Club, which operates from Dunstable Downs, said the aircraft seen by the reporting pilot was almost certainly a Schleicher ASK21 training glider.
It said it was at 4180ft, was not infringing controlled airspace and there was no risk of collision.
Investigators found there were three gliders in the area at the time and not four.
A crew debrief was conducted after landing.
An investigated by the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) concluded they were "satisfied that normal safety margins had pertained" and "determined that there had not been a risk of collision".
The incident highlighted the importance of accurate tracking and monitoring of aircraft during approach manoeuvres.