Occurrence Summary
On 26 June 2019 at approximately 11:02 AM, a Socata TBM 700 aircraft, registration N700HL, landed on closed Taxiway Hotel at Leonard Thompson International Airport (MYAM), Marsh Harbour, Abaco. The aircraft had been cleared to land on Runway 27 by air traffic control.
Prior to issuing landing clearance, the air traffic controller advised that N700HL was the number one aircraft in a sequence of three on a 4-5 NM right base for final approach. At the same time, a training certification exercise for a newly hired controller was taking place on the tower position.
During the exercise, a certifying controller was issuing guidance to the trainee regarding aircraft sequencing. Another controller then noted that the pilot of N700HL had positioned the aircraft for a short base leg to Taxiway Hotel instead of Runway 27.
The certifying controller, based on the attitude and altitude of the aircraft and the absence of other aircraft near Taxiway Hotel, allowed the aircraft to continue its approach to the taxiway. According to the ATC manager, this decision was made to avoid interrupting the landing sequence, a critical phase of flight, and to prevent potential endangerment of the aircraft and other aircraft in the sequence.
The aircraft landed safely. There were no reported injuries and no damage to the aircraft. Weather was visual meteorological conditions at the time and was not a factor in the incident.
Safety Concerns
Safety recommendations issued after the occurrence were later closed as they were no longer relevant. The air traffic structure and facility in place at the time, which would have benefitted from the recommendations had they been acted upon, was destroyed by Hurricane Dorian in late 2019.