SpiceJet mid-air mishap averted

A mid-air mishap was averted due to an auto-generated warning after a SpiceJet aircraft came in close proximity of an overflying Emirates plane in Indian airspace.
The incident which occurred on August 11, involving a SpiceJet Hyderabad flight from Chennai (SG 511) and Emirates’ Dubai-bound Brisbane flight (EK 433), is currently being investigated by the aviation regulator, DGCA sources said, according to news agency reports, adding that SpiceJet flight SG 511 was cleared for 34,000 ft and advised to standby to climb further.
“However, SG 511 climbed above the permitted level without clearance. It was then asked to maintain 35,000 ft but the aircraft overshot by a 1,000 ft, a level that EK 433 was maintaining,” sources were quoted by news agency PTI as saying. This forced the Emirates flight to climb further and increase separation, with both the aircraft receiving Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) alerts, sources said.
The TCAS monitors the airspace around an aircraft for other aircraft equipped with a corresponding active transponder, independent of air-traffic control, and warns pilots of the presence of other transponder-equipped aircraft which may present a threat of mid-air collision (MAC).
“Emirates can confirm that flight EK433 Brisbane to Dubai on August 11, whilst in Indian airspace, received indications of proximity traffic. The flight crew correctly followed the on board system guidance to remain clear, following which they reported the occurrence to Air Traffic Control. At no time were passengers in any danger. The safety of our passengers and crew as always is our top priority,” Emirates was quoted as saying in a statement.
However, SpiceJet sources were quoted as saying that the ATC instructed it to climb and maintain 36,000 ft due to traffic at 37,000 level but “while passing flight level 35,000, ATC instructed the pilot to stop climb.
By that time, the aircraft had climbed to 35,400 feet. Our flight descended back to 35,000, and during which SpiceJet aircraft got a descend resolution advisory.”
Sources at aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that the incident is being investigated and would soon be handed over to the Airprox Investigation Board (AIB).

(culled from www.asianage.com)