Background
On 13 August 2018 at 0948 UTC, a serious incident occurred on Runway 06 at Edinburgh Airport involving a Boeing 737-800, registration EI-FJW, and an Airbus A320-214, registration OE-IVC. Both aircraft were operating commercial passenger flights. The Boeing 737 was landing from New York Stewart Airport, while the Airbus A320 was departing for London Luton Airport.
History of the Flight
The Boeing 737 crew consisted of a captain under training, a training captain as aircraft commander, and a check captain. They pushed back at 0244 UTC. The Airbus A320 crew included a training captain and a trainee co-pilot. Edinburgh Tower was staffed by a trainee air traffic controller supervised by an On-The-Job Training Instructor (OJTI).
At 0945:55, the trainee controller cleared OE-IVC to line up but initially did not extinguish the Stop Bar. After a reminder from the A320 crew, the Stop Bar was extinguished at 0946:29. At 0947:01, OE-IVC was cleared for takeoff while not yet aligned. At 0947:41, OE-IVC began its takeoff roll with EI-FJW just over 0.5 nm from touchdown. At 0.5 nm, the Boeing crew reminded the tower they lacked landing clearance. The OJTI then took over the frequency. At 0948:13, OE-IVC became airborne as EI-FJW was in the flare. Landing clearance was given, and EI-FJW touched down at 0948:15.
Recorded Information
Radar data, surface movement radar, and quick access recorder data showed the closest horizontal separation was approximately 875 m when EI-FJW was 6 seconds from touchdown and 40 ft above the runway, and OE-IVC was accelerating through 148 kt during its takeoff roll. CCTV footage captured both aircraft over the runway. The event was classified as a runway incursion by the air navigation service provider.
Incident Timeline
A detailed timeline from radar and radio recordings indicated that the Boeing 737 was at 6 nm from touchdown at 0945:55, and at 3 nm at 0947:01. The Airbus A320 began taxiing at 0946:29 and was cleared for takeoff at 0947:01. The separation decreased as the Boeing approached faster than normal and the A320 experienced brief pushback and stop bar delays.
Aftermath
The Air Navigation Service Provider conducted a review of High Intensity Runway Operations at Edinburgh and implemented safety actions to improve procedures and on-the-job training. The AAIB investigated the incident.