What happened
On Sunday, June 19, 2011, at 12:43 pm, a Cessna 172, registration N54120, was cleared for takeoff at the intersection of runway 18 and taxiway A at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT). Sixteen seconds later, an ERJ145 operated by Jet Link, flight BTA2555, reported ready for takeoff on runway 14 and was also cleared for takeoff by the local controller. Although the runways themselves do not intersect, the departure flight paths for runway 18 and runway 14 do intersect.
The local controller failed to issue traffic information regarding the converging flight paths to either aircraft. Radar data indicated that the ERJ14 and the Cessna were at the same altitude, with the ERJ145 passing in front of the Cessna with approximately 300 feet of lateral separation. Following the event, the pilot of the ERJ145 queried the controller to ask if the Cessna was performing a go-around, to which the controller replied, "yes sir."
The investigation
The investigation found that the local controller was simultaneously performing the duties of ground control, flight data/clearance delivery, and controller-in-charge. At the time of the incident, the TRACON had not been opened, which was a violation of facility policy intended to ensure sufficient staffing for training. The controller was also assisting an approach controller with a flight progress issue at a terminal.
Further investigation into the facility revealed that the controller had previously been subject to performance restrictions, including being prohibited from performing on-the-job training, but management had failed to notify the controller of these restrictions. Additionally, the controller was still certified as a controller-in-charge, which allowed them to work various positions without direct supervision.
Findings
- The local controller cleared two aircraft for takeoff from runways with intersecting departure flight paths without ensuring the first aircraft had passed the flight path intersection before clearing the second aircraft.
- The controller did not issue required traffic information to either aircraft regarding the intersecting paths.
- The controller was managing multiple positions, including ground control and controller-in-charge, simultaneously.
- Facility staffing and policy non-compliance contributed to the lack of adequate oversight and training availability.