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 MSL; 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 MSL. 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: Analysis showed the glider's primary radar returns were on the controller's screen, but the controller did not notice them or issue traffic information 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 TCAS produced no warning because the glider carried no transponder for it 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.