Medium Transport
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
New hire First Officer was flying visual approach Runway 14 AEX. Prior to clearance for the approach; we were given direct to CROVE (outer marker). We were level at 2;000 feet MSL; and after receiving approach clearance and reporting left base to Tower; the First Officer widened out a little to a modified downwind/base to give himself more room. The Tower had requested us to advise turning final. I believe we were at 180 knots; not certain; but flaps were at 8 degrees. During the widened base turn; I noticed a cyan TCAS target 200 feet below; which quickly turned amber (with 'traffic' TA); then showed our altitude and became a TCAS 'climb' RA. I announced that I had the controls; disengaged the autopilot; and began the RA compliance. During the bedlam; the First Officer never heard my call for the controls; and was still on the controls with me. Our hands actually bumped on the thrust levers and we were both pulling back on the yoke complying with the RA. The 'climb' aural went to an 'increase climb' and at some point I heard the Tower Controller say something undiscernible. At this point; the VSI was out of the red; the First Officer had positive control of the aircraft; and I informed the Tower that we were complying with a TCAS RA. Tower informed us he was not talking to anyone in our area; and asked to advise when done complying with the RA. He also said at some point; 'no need to advise turning final'. We were 'clear of conflict' around 3;000 feet MSL; stabilized around 3;300; made the turn back toward the Runway 14 final; and continued the visual approach to an uneventful landing. I never saw the intruder aircraft; but the First Officer did; and stated in our debrief that it was a [small low wing aircraft]. The First Officer estimated 500 to 700 foot separation; although I have no reference to validate his estimate. Nonetheless; I would certainly consider this a 'near miss'.
Captain reported an NMAC with a light aircraft on approach to AEX.