A319 approach airprox with VFR glider in Class E; primary radar returns missed

An Airbus A319 on IFR approach to Bremen (Germany) came close to an unidentified VFR glider in Class E airspace near Visselhoevede at about 1,800 m AMSL; the A319 landed safely and there were no injuries or damage. The crew saw the glider about 60 m above and 15 m to the right, on the same heading. No TCAS warning was generated because the glider carried no transponder, an exemption above roughly 1,500 m AMSL. Primary radar returns showing the glider were on the controller's display but went unnoticed, and no traffic information was passed before the crew self-reported.

1. IFR approach to Bremen: An Airbus A319-112 was inbound Hurghada–Bremen IFR with 154 souls (6 crew + 148 pax), descending through about 1,800 m AMSL in Class E airspace near Visselhövede on approach to Bremen.
2. Unknown VFR glider in same area: An unidentified VFR glider was flying in the same airspace at roughly similar altitude and heading. BFU could not determine the glider type, pilot, or departure/destination airfield.
3. Glider not transponding (exempt): The glider emitted no transponder signal. Above ~1,500 m AMSL a transponder is mandatory for powered aircraft; gliders are exempt below FL100 (~3,000 m).
4. Primary returns unnoticed by ATC: Post-event analysis showed primary radar returns of the glider were displayed on the controller's screen, in the A319's flight path. The controller did not notice them and issued no traffic information or avoidance advice before the crew self-reported.
5. Crew sees glider in close proximity: Around 18:22 LT the A319 crew saw the glider about 60 m above and 15 m to the right of their position, on a parallel heading at about 1,800 m AMSL.
6. Crew reports airprox to Bremen Radar: At 18:22:35 the A319 crew reported the close proximity of the glider to Bremen Radar. The A319 TCAS produced no warning — without a transponder signal from the glider, the system had no traffic to interrogate.
7. Safe landing at Bremen: The Airbus A319 continued the approach without further incident and landed at Bremen Airport; no injuries, no damage to either aircraft.