Incident Overview
• Date: January 13th, 2025
• Location: Guatemala City, Guatemala
• Aircraft 1: Copa Airlines Boeing 737-800
• Registration: HP-1712CMP
• Flight Number: CM-391
• Route: San Jose (Costa Rica) to Guatemala City (Guatemala)
• Aircraft 2: Avianca Airbus A320-200neo
• Registration: N904AV
• Flight Number: AV-651
• Route: Guatemala City (Guatemala) to San Jose (Costa Rica)
• Classification: Serious Incident
• Investigation Status: Open
Summary of Events
A near collision occurred at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City when a Copa Airlines Boeing 737-800 on final approach to runway 02 initiated a go-around while an Avianca Airbus A320neo was in the process of accelerating for takeoff from the same runway.
ADS-B data revealed a critical loss of separation during the event. The vertical separation reduced to 0 feet, and the horizontal separation decreased to approximately 0.27 nautical miles as the Avianca A320 climbed through 6,000 feet, with the Copa Boeing leveling off at the same altitude. Both aircraft subsequently diverged from the runway heading, with the Airbus turning right and the Boeing turning left, avoiding a collision.
Sequence of Events
1. Copa Airlines Approach:
• Flight CM-391 was on final approach to runway 02 at Guatemala City.
2. Avianca Takeoff:
• Flight AV-651 was cleared for takeoff from runway 02 and began its takeoff roll.
3. Go-Around Initiated:
• The Copa Airlines flight initiated a go-around, continuing along the runway heading.
4. Loss of Separation:
• ADS-B data indicated the separation reduced to 0 feet vertically and 0.27nm horizontally at 6,000 feet, posing a high collision risk.
5. Conflict Resolution:
• The Avianca A320 turned right and the Copa 737 turned left, creating diverging trajectories and resolving the conflict.
Investigation
The Civil Aviation Authority of Guatemala (DGAC) has opened an investigation into the incident.
• ADS-B Data Analysis: The data clearly indicates a severe breach of separation minima.
• Air Traffic Control (ATC): Investigators will review ATC communications, including the timing of clearances for landing, takeoff, and the go-around.
• Pilot Actions: The investigation will assess how the pilots of both aircraft responded to ATC instructions and the conflict situation.
Initial Findings
1. Critical Separation Breach:
• Vertical: 0 feet
• Horizontal: 0.27 nautical miles
2. Communication and Coordination Issues:
• A breakdown in ATC sequencing may have led to the conflict.
3. Airline Awareness:
• Both airlines stated they were unaware of the occurrence until it surfaced on social media.
4. Legal Action:
• A former DGAC director has filed a criminal complaint against the DGAC, alleging negligence in preventing the incident.
Safety Recommendations
1. ATC Procedures:
• Review and enhance runway sequencing protocols to avoid simultaneous operations in high-traffic environments.
2. Collision Avoidance Training:
• Reinforce pilot training on TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) and go-around procedures.
3. ADS-B Monitoring:
• Utilize real-time ADS-B monitoring tools to better manage traffic separation.
4. Runway Incursion Prevention:
• Consider implementing stop bars or other safeguards at taxiway/runway intersections.
Conclusion
This near-miss highlights the critical importance of precise ATC coordination, situational awareness, and real-time conflict resolution measures to ensure flight safety. Both the Copa Airlines and Avianca crews effectively prevented a disaster by maneuvering their aircraft onto diverging trajectories.
Disclaimer
This report is based on publicly available information as of January 18th, 2025. For inquiries or copyright concerns, contact takedown@cockpitking.com.
