Incident Overview
On 20 September 2016, at Milan Malpensa Airport (LIMC), the crew of an Embraer 170-200 received taxi clearance from air traffic control to proceed to runway 35R via taxiways Y, U, and F, with a hold short of runway 35L. As the aircraft neared the holding point for runway 35L, the controller instructed the crew to contact the Tower frequency. Due to intermittent transmission disruptions, both pilots concentrated on establishing clear two-way communication with the tower. In doing so, they failed to stop at the holding point and inadvertently taxied onto runway 35L.
Context and Actions
While crossing runway 35L, the crew believed the runway was closed for construction, as indicated by a NOTAM. After completing the flight, the crew submitted an Air Safety Report (ASR) documenting the event.
Findings and Contributing Factors
The investigation determined that the incident resulted from human error: both pilots directed their attention to establishing radio communication with the air traffic controller, neglecting to monitor their taxi path against the issued clearance. No other causal factors were identified.
Preventive Measures
The operator recorded the incident in its Safety Management System (SMS) database and classified it according to established criteria. The event will be included in safety performance indicators monitored under the operator's Safety Management Manual. Although no specific recommendations were made regarding the crew, the investigation material will be used as training content for recurrent pilot instruction.
Safety Recommendations
The investigation did not issue any safety recommendations.