Synopsis
At 21:07 on 23 December 2017, a serious incident occurred at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) on Runway 07R. A Hong Kong Airlines Limited Airbus A330-343 aircraft (registration B-LNU) commenced its takeoff roll after receiving air traffic control (ATC) clearance, while a Cathay Pacific Airways Limited Boeing 747-867F aircraft (registration B-LJK) was crossing the far end of the same runway in accordance with ATC instruction. The flight crew of the B748F immediately informed ATC they were still crossing. ATC instructed the A333 to stop; the A333 aborted the takeoff and came to a full stop after rolling less than 200 metres. The closest distance between the two aircraft exceeded 3,000 metres. No damage to either aircraft and no injuries were reported. The B748F continued to cross the runway and taxied to the cargo apron. The A333 vacated the runway, rejoined the departure queue, and departed without further incident at 21:14.
Sequence of Events
At time 20:4 (the report text cuts off, but from the synopsis: the events occurred at 21:07). The A333 aircraft, operating as CRK709, was given takeoff clearance by ATC. The B748F, operating as CPA071, was crossing the runway as instructed. After the A333 began its takeoff roll, CPA071's crew informed ATC that they were still crossing. ATC immediately instructed CRK709 to stop, and the aircraft aborted the take-off. Both aircraft were undamaged and no injuries occurred.
Personnel Information
Flight crew of the A333 and B748F, as well as the aerodrome controller, were involved. The report provides details on their experience and qualifications but does not state any errors or fatigue.
Aircraft Information
The A333 was an Airbus A330-343, registration B-LNU, operated by Hong Kong Airlines. The B748F was a Boeing 747-867F, registration B-LJK, operated by Cathay Pacific. Neither aircraft sustained damage.
Findings
The investigation found that the aerodrome controller failed to follow prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) when handling the departing A333 aircraft, enabling departure clearance to be issued while a crossing B748F still occupied the runway. Contributing factors included non-adherence to SOP, deactivation of the electronic flight strip take-off or landing button, and situational awareness issues.
Causes
The cause of the serious incident was the Aerodrome Controller’s failure to follow the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures when handling the departing A333 aircraft, thereby enabling the departure clearance to be issued while a crossing B748F was still occupying the runway.
Safety Recommendations
The investigation made four safety recommendations, addressed to regulatory authorities, to prevent recurrence.