What happened
An incident occurred when a driver, tasked with inspecting a specific aircraft, entered active taxiways without the necessary clearance or authorization. The driver observed the aircraft and, under the mistaken impression that it was parked on the domestic apron, proceeded toward it. In reality, the aircraft was being towed and had stopped at the holding point for runway 21.
During the transit, the driver traversed several taxiways, including taxiway D, and crossed the holding point for runway 21. The movement was only halted after a Wildlife Strike Officer (WSO) utilized a vehicle siren, horn, and loudspeaker to alert the driver of the imminent runway entry and ordered an immediate stop.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the driver's navigation and situational awareness. It was determined that the driver was attempting to complete a time-critical task and was operating in an area of the airport with which they were unfamiliar. This lack of familiarity, combined with the pressure of the task, contributed to the driver's failure to recognize that the aircraft was in motion via a tow and was not parked on the apron. Furthermore, the driver failed to notice they had deviated from the perimeter road and had moved through multiple taxiways without permission.
Findings
- The driver incorrectly assumed the target aircraft was stationary on the domestic apron.
- An effort to save time led to the driver entering taxiways without required approval.
- The driver's lack of familiarity with the airport area and focus on a time-sensitive task hindered their ability to recognize the aircraft's actual position.
- The driver did not realize they had left the perimeter road and crossed a runway holding point.