What happened
On 21 November 2022, a Cessna Citation Sovereign 680, registration SU-SML, operated by Smart Aviation Company, was preparing for a private commercial flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Doha, Qatar. The aircraft was carrying ten people, including six passengers and four crew members.
During the taxi phase, the flight crew was instructed by Ground South Control to taxi via taxiway F5 and hold short of taxiway Foxtrot (F). While transitioning to Tower South Control frequency, the controller informed the crew that a helicopter was landing at the heliport area. As the Cessna Citation Sovereign 680 proceeded, the crew entered taxiway F31. This movement prompted the Tower controller to order a go-around for an approaching helicopter (A6HBQ) to avoid a collision. The aircraft was subsequently instructed to hold its position until further clearance was provided.
The investigation
An investigation by the UAE Air Accident Investigation Sector (AAIS) focused on the sequence of events leading to the Category B1 runway incursion. Investigators examined the communication between the flight crew and Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft's movement, and the airport's ground markings. The investigation reviewed the technical logs of the SU-SML, which showed no mechanical defects, and analyzed the cockpit voice and ATC recordings. The inquiry also assessed the crew's familiarity with the airport's complex taxiway layout and the visibility of stop bars and intermediate holding positions.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incursion was the aircraft entering taxiway F31 while the helicopter was on final approach, creating a significant potential for collision.
- The flight crew failed to adhere to standard operating procedures regarding taxiing near active stop bars.
- There was a lack of situational awareness regarding the specific taxiway layout, as the crew was unaware that taxiway F3 and F5 were positioned parallel to each other.
- The airport lacked intermediate holding point markings on taxiways F3 and F5, unlike taxiway F4.
- The flight crew's readback of the initial taxi instruction was incomplete, as they omitted the requirement to hold short of the taxiway.
Safety action
- The investigation recommended that Smart Aviation Company reinforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for taxiing, particularly regarding active stop bars, and ensure pilots thoroughly study airport charts.
- Global Air Navigation Services (GANS) updated its manual to standardize the naming convention for the heliport area.
- A recommendation was made to Abu Dhabi Airports to review and add intermediate holding point markings to taxiways F3 and F5 to improve traffic control.