What happened
On March 31, 2025, a Tecnam P2008JC, registration SP-FDR, was conducting training flights from EPLL with a student and an instructor on board. During the operations, a "Follow Me" vehicle was performing a maneuver area inspection along taxiway A. Although the Tower Assistant had instructed the vehicle driver to traverse taxiways only at a safe distance from the runway, the driver exceeded the scope of the authorization and entered the active runway. At the time of the incursion, the aircraft was positioned on the short final for runway 25. Upon spotting the vehicle on the runway, the instructor alerted the student and ordered an immediate go-around. The vehicle subsequently vacated the runway, allowing the aircraft to land safely.
The investigation
The investigation examined the communications between the Tower and the vehicle driver, as well as the operational procedures for airfield inspections. The inquiry focused on the driver's adherence to instructions and the effectiveness of the readback/confirmation process used by the Tower personnel.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was driver error, characterized by reduced situational awareness and confirmation bias, where the driver mistakenly believed the instructions permitted runway occupancy. This error was likely driven by routine-induced complacency and a focus on the inspection task rather than the specific content of the radio communications.
- The Tower personnel failed to ensure that the driver provided a full and correct readback of the instructions regarding runway separation.
Safety action
- EPLL Tower operational personnel were to be briefed on internal reports to emphasize the necessity of enforcing full and correct readbacks for all instructions involving movement within the maneuver area.
- The airport authority implemented corrective measures to improve the quality of radio communications regarding the movement of airport services within the maneuver area.