A320
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 168; Flight Crew Type 948
Situational Awareness
Conflict Airborne Conflict
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Aircraft; Airspace Structure; Procedure
During extended downwind vectors at 5;000 MSL on the arrival for RWY 22L yesterday; we experienced a TCAS RA that resulted in a close call with either an aircraft or drone. We were in ALT when we received a 'TRAFFIC; TRAFFIC' TA. ATC called out traffic ahead at 12 o'clock; type and altitude unknown. We looked for the traffic. The aircraft was on autopilot and leveled off. The traffic then disappeared from the screen and we thought we were in the clear. Approximately 10-15 seconds later we received an RA 'CLIMB; CLIMB'. When I looked down at the ND (20 mile range) the symbology showed a RED target at -01 directly in front of the airplane and to the left side of the nose. I have received RAs before; but this one was very close. I immediately disconnected the autopilot; went TOGA and started a climbing right turn. We were configured at Flaps 1. The FO told ATC 'TCAS RA'. I quickly came out of TOGA and restored normal auto flight when the 'CLEAR OF CONFLICT' advisory sounded. We resumed the arrival and no aircraft parameters or limits were exceeded. Shortly thereafter; we heard [air carrier] Flight XXXXX also report a TCAS RA.
Airbus 320 captain reported encountering a aircraft or a drone via a TCAS Resolution Advisory warning.