Final Report by ATSB Released into a Runway Incursion Incident at Gladstone Airport

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has released its final report after an investigation into a runway incursion incident involving a QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-QOP at Gladstone Airport on Thursday 17 April.

VH-QOP at Gladstone Airport in 2014  (File photo taken by Jamie  ©)

The ATSB found that "While the crew of VH-QOP was taxiing at Gladstone Airport for a scheduled departure to Sydney, they reported taxiing for Runway 10, which was soon followed by a report from the crew of a Virgin Australia ATR-72 that they were 5 NM from Gladstone, on final approach to Runway 10.  Noting the position of the ATR-72, the crew of VH-QOP elected to taxi in a westerly direction along taxiway A (parallel to the runway), planning to enter the runway via taxiway A1 after the ATR-72 had landed. The crew were not particularly familiar with Gladstone Airport, and even less familiar with taxiway A and A1. The crew commented that, subject to traffic conditions, it was more common (at Gladstone Airport) to enter the runway using other taxiways leading directly from the terminal area.

"As they taxied, the crew contemplated switching to Runway 28 for departure because weather surrounding the airport appeared to be less intense to the West. The crew discussed departure options and reviewed aircraft performance information as they taxied. At the same time, they remained mindful of the ATR-72 on final approach to runway 10.

"The crew of VH-QOP made a right turn from taxiway A onto taxiway A1 as the ATR-72 was on late final approach. As they entered taxiway A1, the crew inadvertently continued over the holding point line before coming to a stop. The main wheels of the aircraft were just beyond the holding point line as the ATR-72 landed. Although the crew of VH-QOP stopped well short of the runway surface and were aware of the ATR-72 on final approach, the incident still falls within the definition of a runway incursion given the ‘incorrect presence’ of the aircraft within the runway flight strip as another aircraft was landing.

The ATSB recommends that this incident highlights the importance of careful attention to airfield markings during ground manoeuvring, especially when crew workload is elevated, and when a crew is unfamiliar with the airport layout. This message applies equally to all airside vehicle operators.