Analysis of two 2005 Wake Vortex Encounter Incidents

Abstract

Two potential wake vortex encounter incidents which were reported in 2005 in Germany are subject to investigation regarding wake vortices as the possible cause. In both cases a heavy category aircraft was preceding a medium category aircraft. The analysis is based on radar data, FDR data and meteo data. The behavior of the leading aircraft’s wake vortex is simulated in order to determine the closest distance between the follower aircraft and the wake vortex as well as the corresponding vortex strength. Although in both cases the required minimum separation between the aircraft was obeyed, analysis and simulation results indicate that most likely a wake vortex with considerable strength was encountered.