The Near Miss: Easyjet A320 and United Boeing 787 at Charles de Gaulle

On a seemingly ordinary day at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, a near miss incident unfolded between an Easyjet A320 and a United Boeing 787. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that lurk in the skies and highlights the critical importance of clear communication, vigilance, and effective safety protocols within the aviation industry.

The Incident: A Close Call

The incident occurred as the Easyjet A320 was preparing for takeoff on runway 27L, while the United Boeing 787 was taxiing across the runway. The two aircraft came dangerously close to colliding, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic accident. The incident was captured on CCTV footage, which vividly demonstrates the gravity of the situation.

Factors Contributing to the Near Miss

Several factors contributed to this near miss incident, including:

• **Communication Breakdown:** There appears to have been a lapse in communication between the air traffic controllers and the pilots of the two aircraft. The Easyjet pilot was cleared for takeoff, while the United Boeing 787 was cleared to cross the runway, leading to a potentially hazardous situation.
• **Visual Checks:** The pilots of both aircraft may have failed to adequately conduct visual checks before proceeding with their respective maneuvers. This underscores the importance of maintaining a constant awareness of the surrounding airspace and adhering to strict visual procedures.
• **Human Error:** It is also possible that human error played a role in the incident, such as misinterpretation of instructions or misjudgment of distance and timing.

Consequences and Lessons Learned

The near miss incident prompted a thorough investigation by the French aviation authorities. The investigation aimed to determine the root causes of the incident and identify any necessary corrective measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of:

• **Clear and Effective Communication:** The need for clear and concise communication between air traffic control and pilots cannot be overstated. This includes ensuring that instructions are accurately conveyed and understood by all parties involved.
• **Visual Checks and Vigilance:** Pilots must maintain a high level of vigilance and conduct thorough visual checks before proceeding with any maneuvers, particularly in the vicinity of other aircraft.
• **Safety Protocols:** The aviation industry must continually review and refine its safety protocols to mitigate the risks associated with air travel. This includes implementing technology-based solutions, such as enhanced ground radar systems and collision avoidance systems.

Conclusion

The near miss between the Easyjet A320 and United Boeing 787 at Charles de Gaulle Airport serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance in the aviation industry. The incident highlights the need for clear communication, effective visual checks, and rigorous safety protocols to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft. By learning from such incidents and implementing necessary improvements, the aviation industry can continue to strive towards a future where near misses become a thing of the past.