What happened
On 6 December 2002, an Airbus A330-343, registration C-GHKX, was taxiing toward the holding point for Runway 09R at London Heathrow Airport. The aircraft was operating a public transport flight with 14 crew members and 261 passengers on board. During the taxi, the aircraft followed another plane that had already been cleared for departure. Due to ongoing resurfacing works on a nearby link taxiway at Block 102, the standard green taxiway centreline lights were unavailable in that specific area. Consequently, the taxiway was only illuminated by blue edge lights. As the aircraft approached the holding area, the commander lost track of the centreline, causing the starboard main landing gear to leave the pavement and sink into the grass on the north side of the taxiway. There were no injuries and no damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
Investigators examined the taxiway conditions and the visibility of the lighting configuration. It was established that the commander had not been notified of the ongoing construction via a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), meaning the crew was not prepared for the absence of centreline lighting. Additionally, the pilot noted that the wing of the preceding aircraft had partially obstructed the view of the remaining blue edge lights in the holding bay. The investigation confirmed that the lack of standard lighting, combined with the lack of prior warning, contributed to the pilot's confusion regarding the aircraft's position.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the commander's confusion regarding the taxiway centreline position.
- The absence of standard green centreline lighting due to maintenance work at Block 102.
- The lack of a NOTAM informing aircrews of the altered lighting configuration.
- Visual obstruction of the blue edge lights caused by the wing of the preceding aircraft.