What happened
On April 9, 2011, an Air Nostrum Bombardier CL600-2B19 CRJ 200, registration EC-IJS, landed on runway 01L at Menorca Airport (LEMH) while the runway was closed for construction. The flight, operating as a scheduled domestic service from Madrid, carried 39 passengers and 3 crew members.
During the approach, the crew requested to land on runway 01 to shorten their approach, receiving clearance from Air Traffic Control (ATC) for runway 01R. However, the aircraft touched down on the closed runway 01L. At the time of the incident, maintenance workers were on the runway installing edge lights. The crew only realized the error when they attempted to exit the runway and encountered red and white barriers. There were no injuries and no damage to the aircraft or personnel.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight dispatch documentation, ATC communications, and the aircraft's technical systems. It was established that the airport had published appropriate NOTAMs and AIP supplements notifying all airlines that runway 01L/19R was closed for repairs. The crew's flight documentation and ATIS information correctly identified runway 19L as the operational runway.
Investigators reviewed the cockpit actions and found that while the crew had the necessary information to avoid the closed runway, they had mistakenly entered the data for the closed runway (01L) into the Flight Management System (FMS). This error caused the aircraft to be guided toward the incorrect runway. The investigation also noted that the ATC controller found it difficult to distinguish between the two parallel runways from the tower during the final approach and did not issue a go-around order.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the crew's error in entering the closed runway 01L into the FMS.
- The FMS guidance led the aircraft to the incorrect runway despite the crew having correct operational information in their flight plan.
- The crew failed to notice the runway-closed markings, which consisted of painted and cloth X-shaped symbols, during the landing.
- The airport had properly disseminated the runway closure information via NOTAMs, AIP supplements, and email.