What happened
On June 2, 2022, at Kagoshima Airport, a serious incident occurred involving a Cirrus SR22, registration JA74MD, and an Agusta A109E helicopter, registration JA02KG. During a period of increased traffic volume, the fixed-wing aircraft, operated by the Civil Aviation College, had landed and was taxiing toward Taxiway T2 to prepare for takeoff. Simultaneously, the helicopter, operated by Kagoshima International Aviation Co., Ltd., was approaching the airport to perform "stop-and-go" training maneuvers on a helipad established on the same taxiway.
As the Cirrus SR22 reached Taxiway T2, it stopped short of the runway holding position. However, the tower air traffic controller, focused on managing other arriving and departing traffic, cleared the Agusta A109E to proceed with its stop-and-go maneuvers at the T2 Helipad without realizing the fixed-wing aircraft was already occupying the area. The crew of the helicopter noticed the presence of the stationary Cirrus SR22 and, uncertain if they had valid clearance, alerted the tower, which then ordered a go-around.
The investigation
The Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) examined air traffic control records, flight data recorders from both aircraft, and statements from the tower and ground controllers. The investigation focused on the coordination between the tower and ground control positions. It was established that the ground controller had observed the Cirrus SR22 taxiing toward T2 but delayed transferring the aircraft's radio communication to the tower to avoid adding to the tower controller's heavy workload. Furthermore, the tower controller did not request specific approval from the ground controller regarding the use of the helipad for the helicopter's maneuvers.
Findings
- The primary cause was that the tower controller issued a clearance for the helicopter to perform stop-and-go maneuvers at the helipad despite the Cirrus SR22 being present on the taxiway.
- The tower controller failed to visually confirm that the helipad area was clear of obstructions or other aircraft.
- A critical breakdown in coordination occurred because the tower controller did not request permission from the ground controller to use the helipad, and the ground controller did not transfer the radio communication of the taxiing Cirrus SR22 to the tower.
- High traffic density and increased workload at the control tower contributed to the lack of situational awareness.