History of Flight
On 6 May 2025, at 09:33 UTC, two Diamond DA40 NG aircraft operated by Oman Aviation Academy (OAA) were conducting training flights at Sohar International Airport (OOSH). Aircraft A4O-OAI, crewed by a student and an instructor, was on final approach and reported their intention to perform a touch-and-go landing (TGL). After completing the TGL, the crew decided to execute an engine failure after take-off (EFATO) exercise followed by a full-stop landing.
Meanwhile, the student pilot flying solo in aircraft A4O-OAG was holding at Charlie 2 (C2) taxiway. The Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officer (AFISO) cleared the solo student to backtrack on Runway 15 for take-off. The flight crew of A4O-OAI stated that they communicated their intention to the AFISO on the designated frequency but received no response.
Communication and Clearance
When the solo student transmitted "ready for take-off," the AFISO cleared the student for take-off at their discretion. The AFISO did not provide traffic information, despite being aware that the runway was occupied by A4O-OAI performing the EFATO. The AFISO later stated that they believed the transmission from A4O-OAI was directed to other aircraft, not requiring action from the AFISO.
Runway Incursion
As a result, the solo student pilot commenced take-off on the occupied runway, leading to a runway incursion between the two aircraft.
Investigation
The Oman Transport Safety Bureau (OTSB) classified the occurrence as a serious incident and appointed an investigator-in-charge. Notifications were sent to the Transport Safety Board of Canada and the Federal Safety Investigation Authority of Austria, as states of design and manufacturer.
The investigation reviewed flight operations, communications, and human factors. The AFISO's misunderstanding of the transmission from A4O-OAI was identified as a key element in the sequence of events.
Conclusion
The OTSB determined that the runway incursion occurred when the student pilot of A4O-OAG took off on a runway occupied by A4O-OAI, following a clearance from the AFISO that did not include traffic advisory information.