Indigo-KLM escape mid-air collision, probe ordered

IndiGo's Airbus A 320 plane was flying to Bengaluru. KLM's Boeing 787 aircraft was en route from Amsterdam. IndiGo aircraft came in close proximity with KLM plane.

An IndiGo Airbus A320 plane and a KLM Boeing Dreamliner aircraft were involved in a near miss incident earlier this month, prompting the Indian authorities to order a probe considering it as a serious incident.

IndiGo's Airbus A 320 plane was flying from the national capital to Bengaluru while KLM's Boeing 787 aircraft was en route from Amsterdam to Kualampur, as per the website of Aviation Safety Network.

The Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched an investigation into the matter.

Citing preliminary data from the Indian authorities, BEA said IndiGo aircraft came in close proximity with KLM plane as the required standard lateral and vertical (radar) separation was reduced. The vertical separation was reduced to 200 feet, it added.

The incident happened on November 2 in the Indian airspace, according to French aviation regulator BEA.

Details about the number of passengers could not be ascertained. 

Near miss incidents are generally described as airprox (aircraft proximity).

It refers to a  situation where in the opinion of a pilot or Air Traffic Services personnel, the distance between the planes as well as their relative positions and speed have been such that the safety of the aircraft involved may have been compromised.