Runway incursion at Trail Airport involving airport vehicle

Casualties unknown • CA

A Pacific Coastal Airlines Beechcraft 1900C avoided a collision with an airport inspection vehicle during landing at Trail Airport, British Columbia.

What happened

On 12 December 2018, a Beechcraft 1900C, registered as C-GIPC, was performing a scheduled flight from Vancouver International Airport to Trail Airport, British Columbia. The aircraft, operated by Pacific Coastal Airlines Ltd. as flight PCO451, was carrying 19 passengers and 2 crew members.

As the aircraft was executing a southbound approach to land on Runway 16, an airport vehicle was traveling northbound on the same runway to conduct a routine inspection. The aircraft touched down while the vehicle was still present on the runway surface. The vehicle managed to exit the runway onto a taxiway before the aircraft reached the intersection, preventing a direct impact.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the movement of the airport vehicle and the lack of coordination between the ground and air operations. Investigators established that there was no radio communication established between the flight crew of the aircraft and the operator of the airport vehicle during the approach and landing phase.

Probable cause

The runway incursion was caused by a breakdown in radio communications between the airport operations staff and the flight crew.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2018-12-12 Trail, British Columbia accident near CA?

A Pacific Coastal Airlines Beechcraft 1900C avoided a collision with an airport inspection vehicle during landing at Trail Airport, British Columbia.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2018-12-12 involved a Trail, British Columbia, operated by Trail Regional Airport, at CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The runway incursion was caused by a breakdown in radio communications between the airport operations staff and the flight crew.

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