Incident Overview
While an aircraft being vectored for a Category II approach to Runway 36 at an airport, approximately 15 miles southwest of the airport, the local controller gave permission for snow removal equipment to proceed north on Runway 36 and exit at the intersection of Runway 27L. The aircraft reported at the outer marker and was cleared to land. There was no coordination between the local and ground controllers regarding the status of the snow removal equipment.
Sequence of Events
Just after touchdown, the captain observed an amber rotating beacon from one of the vehicles approximately 1,000 feet ahead. The captain immediately initiated a go-around. The aircraft missed the eight vehicles by an estimated 10 feet. The runway visual range (RVR) was reported as 3,000 feet.
Operational Details
The incident occurred during a CAT II approach, which requires specific equipment and weather minima. The presence of snow removal vehicles on the active runway without proper coordination between controllers created a hazardous situation. The go-around was executed promptly by the flight crew, avoiding a collision.