What happened
On 12 November 2015, a Cessna 210M, registration G-TOTN, was conducting a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) approach toward Runway 27 at East Midlands Airport. During the approach, the pilot reported being unable to see the airfield due to low-level fog in the area. While the aircraft was positioned 5.5 nm south-southeast of the airport, the aerodrome controller issued takeoff clearance to a DHC-8-402 Dash 8, registration G-FLBA, which was entering the runway.
Upon noticing that the pilot of G-TOTN could not see the runway, the aerodrome controller cancelled the takeoff clearance for G-FLBA. Despite the cancellation, G-TOTN continued its approach, turning onto the final leg without official clearance. The pilot of the Cessna 210M reported seeing the runway only when 0.25 nm from the airport. Shortly thereafter, the pilot initiated a go-around. During this maneuver, the crew of G-FLBA observed via TCAS that the vertical separation between the two aircraft had decreased to less than 100 feet.
The investigation
The investigation examined reports from the pilot of G-FLBA, the CAA Air Traffic Services Investigations (ATSI), and the aircraft operator. Investigators found that the weather was deteriorating locally, but this change was not immediately identified or communicated to the aerodrome controller. Furthermore, the investigation established that the approach controller was not notified that the runway was occupied by the departing DHC-8-402 Dash 8 until the Cessna 210M was very close to the airfield.
Findings
- The pilot of G-TOTN transitioned to the final approach leg without receiving the necessary clearance.
- Ineffective coordination between the aerodrome and approach controllers contributed to the incident.
- Local weather changes, specifically the development of low-level fog, went unnoticed and unreported by the controllers.
- The crew of G-FLBA was unaware of the specific radio communications regarding G-TOTN because the aircraft was operating on a different frequency.
Safety action
- The ATSI report recommended that the airport evaluate the installation of a surface movement radar display in the approach control room to enhance controller awareness of runway activity.