What happened
On May 10, 2011, at approximately 11:59 JST, a serious incident occurred at Fukuoka Airport involving two aircraft. A Bombardier DHC-8-402, registered JA844C, operated by Japan Air Commuter Co., Ltd., was on final approach to runway 16. Having previously received landing clearance, the crew was performing their landing checklists when the pilot sought to verify the clearance with the first officer.
Simultaneously, a Boeing 767-300, registered JA602A, operated by All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd., was taxiing via taxiway E2. After receiving takeoff clearance from the tower controller, the Boeing 767-300 proceeded to enter runway 16. As the Bombardier DHC-8-402 approached the threshold, the crew heard a takeoff clearance issued for another aircraft and requested confirmation of their own landing clearance. Upon this inquiry, the air traffic controller instructed the Bombardier DHC-8-402 to perform a go-around. The controller then immediately canceled the takeoff clearance for the Boeing 767-300, instructing it to line up and wait.
The investigation
The Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) examined air traffic control communications, radar tracking records, and flight data from both the digital flight data recorder (DFDR) of the Bombardier DHC-8-402 and the quick access recorder (QAR) of the Boeing 767-300. Investigators also reviewed statements from the flight crews of both aircraft and the air traffic controllers on duty. The investigation focused on the sequence of clearances and the visibility conditions at the time of the event, which included intermittent rain and fluctuating visibility.
Findings
- The air traffic controller issued a takeoff clearance to the Boeing 767-300 while the Bombardier DHC-8-402 was on short final approach.
- Poor visibility and fluctuating runway visual range (RVR) contributed to the crew of the Boeing 767-300 being unable to visually identify the approaching aircraft on the final approach path.
- The pilot of the Bombardier DHC-8-402 initiated the verification of landing clearance due to uncertainty following the transmission of a takeoff clearance for another aircraft.
- The controller's workload was noted as being higher due to the necessity of providing frequent weather updates during periods of changing meteorological conditions.