The Nouvelair Airbus A320 coming from Tunisia to Nice, France, mistakenly approached the wrong runway and overflew an EasyJet plane preparing for takeoff. The French Accident Investigation Board (BEA) has launched an investigation into the incident that narrowly avoided disaster.
The Nouvelair Airbus A320-200, registered TS-INP, operating flight BJ-586 from Tunisia, began its approach to Nice Airport. While the aircraft was supposed to descend to runway 04L as planned, it was reported that it mistakenly headed for runway 04R.
After descending to the runway touchdown zone, the Nouvelair aircraft performed a go-around maneuver over the EasyJet Europe Airbus A320-200 (OE-IJZ), which was waiting for takeoff. The EasyJet plane aborted its takeoff and vacated the runway, leading to the flight’s cancellation.
Following the go-around, the Nouvelair Airbus A320-200 climbed to 4,000 feet and safely landed on runway 04L about 15 minutes later. According to ADS-B data, the aircraft passed the runway threshold at 50 feet AGL and initiated the go-around six seconds later.
The French Accident Investigation Board (BEA) has launched an investigation into the incident and sent four investigators to Nice for examination.
This event once again highlighted the serious risks that runway confusion can pose at busy European airports.
