What happened
On July 25, 2022, a Cessna C560, registration YV3315, was on final approach to Runway 10 Left at Maiquetia International Airport (SVMI) in La Guaira, Venezuela. While the crew was approximately 3 NM from the runway, they observed a large aircraft entering the active runway near intersection E.
The aircraft on the runway was a McDonnell Douglas MD-81, registration YV480T, operated by LASER Airlines. The aircraft was being moved by maintenance personnel (TMA) from the company hangar to a remote stand. Although ground control had instructed the towing team to cross the runway at taxiway E and continue via Runway 10 Right, the crew continued taxiing until they entered Runway 10 Left, resulting in a runway incursion involving the approaching Cessna C560.
The investigation
The JIAAC investigation included interviews with the towing personnel, air traffic controllers, and the pilots of YV3315. The authority also reviewed maintenance training records, company procedures, and communications between the tower and airport authorities. The investigation noted that the ATIS was inoperative at the time of the event and examined the staffing levels of the air traffic control unit.
Findings
Several contributing factors were identified regarding both the airline and air navigation services:
- Operational Deficiencies: LASER Airlines lacked established procedures for aircraft movement and towing; the personnel involved only utilized a checklist for engine starts. Furthermore, recent training for maintenance personnel had been theoretical rather than practical.
- Communication Failures: A recent supplement to the aeronautical information was not effectively distributed to all staff, leaving the towing crew unaware of changes to taxiway usage.
- Supervision and Staffing: Surveillance of the aircraft movement was inadequate. The air traffic control team was understaffed, with only three operators present instead of the required four, and the surface controller was performing additional duties.
- Regulatory Gaps: The existing agreement between the Control Tower and the airport authority (IAAIM) did not include specific protocols for aircraft towing operations.
Safety action
As a result of the preliminary findings, the JIAAC issued several preventive measures:
- To LASER Airlines: Perform recurrent training on taxiing and engine running for maintenance staff; develop formal procedures for aircraft movement that include briefings on airport status changes.
- To the Venezuelan Aeronautical Authority (INAC): Evaluate controller staffing levels to mitigate fatigue; study the reactivation of the ATIS; and mandate updated training for the controllers involved.
- To Maiquetia International Airport (IAAIM): Update the agreement with air navigation services to include specific protocols for aircraft towing to ensure effective supervision.