Casualties unknown

2022-03-16: BOEING -737-800 — LCPH aerodrome, CY

LCPH aerodrome, CY

On March 16, 2022, a BOEING -737-800 was involved in an aviation accident near LCPH aerodrome, CY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The elapsed time from first location of the dog since its capture is too long. This summary draws on records from the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Board of Cyprus (AAIIB).

Sourcesthe Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Board of Cyprus (AAIIB)Primary reportUpdated 1781169167Data APIEditorial standards

A Boeing 737-800, registration GDRTY, executed a go-around at Pafos Aerodrome on 16 March 2022 after a stray dog was seen moving towards and crossing the runway. The aircraft landed safely. The dog was captured the next day.

Factual Information

On 16 March 2022, a Boeing 737-800, registration GDRTY, was on an instrument approach to Pafos Aerodrome (PHA). During the approach, the Airport Operator (AMIU) sighted a medium-sized stray dog near the runway, moving towards the military base. The AMIU communicated this to the Air Traffic Control Tower (TWR). When the aircraft was 3 nautical miles final, ATC instructed the crew to execute a go-around because the dog was seen moving towards the runway and subsequently crossed it. The aircraft performed the go-around and later returned for a safe landing. After crossing the runway, the dog entered the west military base. The dog was caught by AMIU the following day at the military base. No information was provided regarding the breed, size, or weight of the dog.

Analysis

The military authorities at Pafos military base have sole responsibility for monitoring the fence around the military base for security reasons. Wildlife hazard management manuals (Rev. G 03/06/20 and Rev. F 03/06/20) exist for Pafos airport.

Conclusions

The elapsed time from first location of the dog to its capture was considered too long. There are no laid down procedures regarding the responsibilities of the military authorities for wildlife prevention in their area.

Safety Recommendations

The airport operator was recommended to agree on a coordination procedure with military authorities for wildlife management at the joint-use civil-military aerodrome (ICAO Doc 9137). The Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP) should be reviewed at least once a year based on lessons learned from wildlife management and after any triggering event (ICAO).