What happened
During the approach phase, the crew of Flight 943 was vectored for landing with instructions to expect an ILS approach to Runway 4R, which would require a sidestep maneuver to land on Runway 4L. At the time of the initial vectors, the ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) had reported that Runway 4R was closed. However, during the approach, the ATIS was updated to indicate that Runway 4R had reopened for landings.
Because TRACON was not notified of this update, the crew of Flight 943 was not made aware that Runway 4R was available. Simultaneously, a Boeing 727 operating as Federal Express Flight 314 was positioned on Runway 4L, holding for takeoff clearance. This runway featured a displaced threshold of approximately 740 feet.
Upon being switched to the Tower frequency, the crew of Flight 943 was given landing clearance for Runway 4R. The crew did not hear the specific instruction for the "right" runway; consequently, they lined up and landed on Runway 4L. The Tower controller did not request an acknowledgement of the landing clearance from the crew. As a result, the crew of Flight 943 did not observe the FedEx aircraft on the displaced threshold until they were almost directly over it. At the time of the encounter, the only visible lights on Flight 314 were its navigation lights, rotating beacon, and taxi light.
Findings
- The local controller was simultaneously performing both Tower and Ground controller duties.
- There was a communication breakdown regarding the updated runway status between ATIS and TRACON.
- The crew of Flight 943 failed to hear the specific runway designation in the landing clearance.
- The Tower controller did not require a readback or acknowledgement of the landing clearance instructions.