Incident
A construction vehicle crossed runway 15R at taxiway M as an Airbus was on its departure roll. The aircraft rotated approximately 500 feet from the intersection of runway 15R and taxiway M at the moment the vehicle cleared the runway edge southbound on taxiway M.
Background
General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (BOS) in Boston, Massachusetts, operates six asphalt runways. Taxiway M, a partial-length parallel taxiway between runway 4L/22R and 4R/22L, was under construction to become a full-length parallel taxiway. The project extended south of the taxiway M and taxiway Q intersection to north of the taxiway E and taxiway M intersection.
Prior to the incident, the Airport Authority and the construction contractor had established two designated routes to and from the construction site: the north haul and south haul routes. Typically, only one route was active at a time, selected by the Airport Authority based on air traffic, weather, and construction activities. At the time of the incident, the south haul route was active.
Driver Actions
The operator of the Ford Explorer construction vehicle had just started his shift. Before heading to the construction site, he contacted the overnight engineer via radio, discussing the runway 4L closure extension and a replacement radio for the engineer. Neither recalled any discussion about active runways or the haul route.
The operator drove to the site using the north haul route, without verifying with airport operations which route was in use. He activated the vehicle's rotating lights and radio but made no contact with Boston ATCT. According to FAA, the local tower controller was aware of the vehicle on taxiway M but was unaware of its intention to cross the active runway. The operator later stated he was "on autopilot" and "preoccupied" with thoughts of tasks at the construction site. He also did not recall seeing stop signs at the runway intersection, which he would normally expect.
Driver Training and Licensing
BOS issues three classes of airfield driving licenses: Class 1 for terminal and non-movement areas, Class 2 for perimeter roads in the movement area, and Class 3 for the movement area. A Class 3 license requires completion of a computer-based training module, an airport-specific written test, and a practical driving exam, with annual renewal. The operator had completed all steps in January and February 2009, receiving perfect or passing scores.
Letter of Agreement
During the taxiway M construction, Boston ATCT and the Massachusetts Port Authority established a Letter of Agreement (LOA) to reduce frequency congestion. The LOA allowed construction vehicles escorted by a two-way radio-equipped vehicle operated by a Class 3 driver to cross taxiway N and the northern portion of taxiway R without contacting ATCT. At the time, 64 construction-related drivers from five projects held Class 3 licenses. The operator held such a license and had a two-way radio capable of communicating with ATCT, but did not use it.
Following the incident, the driver was suspended from driving on the airport pending an investigation by the Airport Authority.