Incident Overview
At approximately 0001 local time, a Boeing 747 landing on Runway 6R collided with a state-operated pick-up truck that was on the same runway for a Tapley run. The aircraft struck the truck about 2,000 feet beyond the approach end of the runway. At the time of impact, the aircraft's main landing gear was on the ground but the nose had not yet been lowered from the landing attitude.
Air Traffic Control Communications
According to the investigation, at 2359 the local controller cleared the flight to land on Runway 6R. At 0001, the ground controller cleared the pick-up truck onto Runway 6R. The ground controller stated that he had requested clearance from the local controller to allow the truck onto the runway. He was not aware that the Boeing 747 had been cleared to land. The local controller was busy with other communications and was not sure if he acknowledged the request from ground control; however, the ground controller believed the local controller said "okay."
Flight Crew Actions
The flight crew stated that they did not see the truck prior to the collision. No further details about crew actions were provided.
Visibility Conditions
At 0013, the runway visual range (RVR) was reported as 600 feet variable to 800 feet. This indicates low visibility conditions at the time near the accident.
Conclusion
The source does not state a probable cause for the incident.