What happened
On January 15, 2001, a Finnair DC-9-51, registration OH-LYY, was conducting a training flight at Kruunupyy Airport (EFKK). The flight, which included a captain, a student pilot, and a student observer, was performing various training maneuvers, including low approaches and landings on runway 19.
During the training session, a Toyota Landcruiser, identified as "JARRU," entered the runway to perform a braking effectiveness measurement. The air traffic controller (ATC) had cleared the aircraft for a low approach rather than a full landing, intending to keep the runway clear for the vehicle. However, as the aircraft approached, the controller observed that the plane was too low to execute a go-around and would likely perform a landing or a low pass.
The aircraft crew did not observe the vehicle during the final approach. The vehicle driver, noticing the aircraft's descent, proactively moved the vehicle to the side of the runway, just outside the lights line, to avoid a collision. The aircraft touched down at 13:59 and continued its roll, passing the vehicle. The crew only became aware of the vehicle's presence after touchdown, at which point the instructor took control to stabilize the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation examined radio communications, flight plans, and the cockpit environment. Investigators reviewed the ATC's instructions to the vehicle and the aircraft, as well as the flight crew's adherence to the provided clearances. The investigation also looked into the training procedures of the operator and the experience levels of the crew members involved.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was that the instructor focused so intensely on the student pilot's technical performance that the ATC clearance for a low approach was forgotten.
- The student pilot and the student observer had limited experience with this specific aircraft type, which exhausted their cognitive capacity during the flight maneuvers.
- The air traffic controller failed to include the required altitude restriction in the clearance for the low approach.
- The aircraft crew did not have visual contact with the vehicle during the final approach and only noticed it after landing.
- The vehicle driver acted proactively by moving the vehicle out of the aircraft's path.
- The incident did not result in a collision, as both the vehicle and the aircraft were able to take evasive action or maintain safe separation.