What happened
On 19 March 2024, a Fairchild SA226-TC Metroliner, registered VH-KGX, began its takeoff roll on runway 03 at Geraldton, Western Australia. Approximately three seconds later, a Beechcraft A3CT Bonanza, registered VH-CKX, initiated its takeoff on runway 14. During the maneuver, the Fairchild SA226-TC Metroliner crossed runway 14 approximately 400 m ahead of the Beechcraft A3CT Bonanza, maintaining a vertical separation of roughly 250–300 ft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on why the two pilots failed to maintain situational awareness regarding each other's positions. Investigators found that the physical layout of Geraldton Airport, specifically the placement of airport buildings between the runway 03 and 14 thresholds, created two significant hazards. First, these structures obstructed the visual line of sight between the two aircraft. Second, the buildings likely caused radio shielding, which weakened or obscured VHF transmissions, making direct communication between the two pilots difficult or impossible.
Because the pilots could not see or hear each other clearly, they relied on a third aircraft, a Cessna, to relay information. However, this relay process introduced errors. The Cessna pilot did not confirm the intentions of both aircraft and provided inaccurate information, specifically stating the Fairchild SA226-TC Metroliner was holding short of runway 03 when it was actually positioned on the runway. This misinformation, combined with a lack of direct verification, led both pilots to believe the runway was clear.
Findings
- The airport's infrastructure prevents visual contact between aircraft at certain runway thresholds.
- The location of buildings at the aerodrome can result in the shielding of VHF radio signals.
- The pilot of a third aircraft attempted to assist with communications but provided inaccurate position data and failed to verify the intentions of the involved aircraft.
- Both pilots relied on relayed information without performing independent verification of the other aircraft's status.