August 2011 runway incursion at Montreal airport highlights need for more action to reduce risks of collisions on runways

DORVAL, QC, Jan. 9, 2014 /CNW/ - The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) today released its investigation report (A11Q0170) of a risk of collision occurrence, when a passenger aircraft crossed an active runway while a twin-engine turboprop aircraft was taking off at the Montreal/Pierre Elliott Trudeau airport in August 2011.

On 29 August 2011, a Sky Regional Airlines Bombardier DHC-8-402 with 25 passengers and 4 crew members aboard landed on Runway 24R at the Montreal/Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport. After landing, the ground controller gave the crew taxi instructions to the gate, which included stopping before Runway 28 until instructed to cross it. The DHC-8 flight crew read back the instruction correctly, meaning that they understood and would comply. Meanwhile, the air traffic controller cleared a Beech King Air with 3 crew members aboard to take off on Runway 28.  Two minutes later, the DHC-8 entered Runway 28 without stopping, while the King Air was nearing takeoff speed. The King Air aborted the takeoff and while slowing down, veered right on the runway centerline and passed about 40 feet behind the DHC-8. There were no injuries; however, the King Air had some minor mechanical damage related to the rapid deceleration.

This occurrence is an example of a serious risk of collision on a runway. The risk of collisions on runways is an issue on the TSB's Watchlist. The Board is concerned that unless better defenses are put in place to reduce these occurrences, the risk of a serious collision between aircraft remains.

Since this occurrence, Sky Regional Airlines has modified its checklists to reduce distractions while taxiing and issued safety bulletins to ensure crews follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent runway incursions. The Montreal/Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport has improved signage on Taxiway Echo on either side of Runway 28 and established a local runway safety committee. NAV CANADA has also implemented procedures to reduce runway incursions.

The risk of collisions on runways is a TSB Watchlist issue. Watch the video!

The TSB is an independent agency that investigates marine, pipeline, railway and aviation transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.

SOURCE: Transportation Safety Board of Canada

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