ATC Found Responsible in Near-Miss Between THY and SunExpress Aircraft in Stuttgart
On 23 October 2023, a loss of separation incident occurred at Stuttgart Airport between a Turkish Airlines Airbus A321-200 (TC-JSZ) and a SunExpress Boeing 737-800 (TC-SOR).
The Turkish Airlines aircraft was preparing for departure from runway 07 on its Stuttgart–Istanbul flight, while the SunExpress aircraft was on final approach to the same runway after arriving from Antalya. The tower controller changed the departure sequence and first cleared an Embraer EMB500 business jet for takeoff, while instructing the SunExpress aircraft to reduce speed.
After the business jet departed, the A321 received takeoff clearance. At that moment, the SunExpress 737 was already on final approach and about 1 kilometer from the runway. The controller then issued a go-around instruction.
While the Boeing 737 initiated the go-around at very low altitude over the runway, the A321 continued its takeoff roll. Data later showed that the aircraft came within approximately 90 meters vertically and 1.5 kilometers horizontally. The 737 was then instructed to turn left, separating the aircraft. About 10 minutes later, the SunExpress flight returned and landed safely in Stuttgart.
According to the final report published on 10 March 2026, the incident was attributed to the tower controller’s last-minute change in the departure sequence, incorrect timing assessment, and a delayed go-around instruction.
Source: avherald.com
