Two planes narrowly avoided crashing into each other above Welshpool Airport, according to a recent report. The incident involved a Piper PA-28 Cherokee and an EV-97 EuroStar, both small microlight aircraft, as they were coming in to land on March 30, 2024. The UK Airprox Board, which aims to enhance air safety and investigates near misses, issued a report detailing the risk of collision between the two planes.
The report stated that the PA-28 pilot was preparing to land at Welshpool Airport and believed they were next in line after waiting for another aircraft to land. However, they saw the EV-97 aircraft pass approximately 200 feet beneath them. The EV-97 pilot heard a transmission urging them to land immediately and warning the PA-28 not to land.
Witnesses, including a passenger on the EV97, reported feeling that the two planes were within 50 feet of each other at the closest point. The report highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that if action had not been taken, a collision at speed could have resulted in serious injuries or worse.
The Airprox Board reviewed the pilots’ communication and decision-making during the landing approach. While acknowledging the risk of collision, the board noted that the avoiding action taken by the PA-28 pilot significantly improved the separation between the two aircraft.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and effective communication in ensuring aviation safety. Both pilots’ quick thinking and appropriate responses helped avert a potentially catastrophic event. The report underscores the need for continued adherence to safety protocols and procedures in the aviation industry to prevent such incidents in the future.