What happened
On the evening of February 11, 2015, a Bombardier DHC-8-103, registration LN-WIB, was taxiing from parking stand 19 toward taxiway D at Bodø Airport. The weather conditions were challenging, characterized by darkness and sleet. At the same time, a snow removal convoy consisting of three vehicles was active on the apron, clearing snow and slush from the area.
As the aircraft approached taxiway W, the pilot suddenly spotted the lead snowplow approaching from the right. To prevent a collision, the pilot performed an emergency braking maneuver, successfully stopping the aircraft before impact. The co-pilot was focused on cockpit checklists and did not observe the vehicle until the braking had already commenced.
The investigation
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) reviewed airport surveillance footage and interviewed the involved personnel. The investigation established that the snowplow driver only noticed the aircraft as he passed its left side. Several factors hindered visibility for the vehicle operator, including the darkness, background light from the terminal infrastructure which obscured the aircraft's lights, and raindrops on the vehicle's side window. Additionally, the driver was focused on the specific task of managing snow placement.
Video analysis revealed a high volume of ground activity at the time, with approximately two vehicles crossing the aircraft's taxi path every minute. The investigation also noted that the air traffic control tower had cleared the aircraft to taxi but did not provide information regarding the ongoing snow removal activity, which is standard procedure for the apron area.
Findings
- The primary cause of the near-collision was the lack of mutual visibility between the aircraft and the ground vehicle during a period of high operational activity.
- The aircraft pilot's quick reaction and emergency braking prevented a physical collision.
- Environmental factors, including darkness and precipitation, significantly degraded the ability of the snowplow driver to detect the approaching aircraft.
- While ground vehicles have the right of way to yield to aircraft, the investigation highlighted a potential lack of awareness that a taxi clearance from the tower does not guarantee a clear apron.
Safety action
The NSIA emphasized the necessity of heightened vigilance in high-traffic areas, particularly during night operations and poor visibility. The investigation noted that the operator's safety department intended to use the incident to improve pilot training regarding ground operations and the principle of "see and be seen."