Near Ground Collision During RNAV Approach at Keflavík Airport

Casualties unknown • BIKF, IS

A Boeing 757-200 operating a passenger flight experienced a near ground collision risk during an RNAV approach to runway 19 due to conflicting approach charts and miscommunication.

What happened

On 19 October 2016, a Boeing 757-200, registration TF-ISR, was conducting a scheduled passenger flight from Glasgow to Keflavík Airport. During the flight preparation, the crew noted that approaching winds were nearing the operator's crosswind limits. Due to a forecast of deteriorating weather, the crew decided to carry additional fuel for the arrival.

At the time of the incident, runway 19 at Keflyavík was undergoing reconstruction, which had reduced the available landing distance to 2040 meters. During the approach phase, the crew encountered significant discrepancies between their electronic flight bag (EFB) databases. The LIDO database used for the RNAV-Z approach showed a 3-degree difference in the final approach course compared to the aircraft's Flight Management Computer (FMC), while the onboard Jeppesen charts for RNAV-X showed a 4-degree difference.

Uncertain which procedure was valid, the pilot flying programmed the aircraft for the LIDO RNAV-Z approach but used the Jeppesen RNAV-X chart as a reference. While descending through approximately 2400 feet, the crew was unaware of critical communications occurring on the tower frequency regarding a previous aircraft that had landed too short of the runway using the RNAV-X procedure. This lack of situational awareness regarding the active approach procedures and the recent runway excursion by another aircraft contributed to the risk of a ground collision.

The investigation

The RNSA examined the flight data, cockpit voice recordings, and air traffic control communications. The investigation focused on the transition from Jeppesen to LIDO database providers and the impact of ongoing runway construction at Keflavík. The investigation also reviewed the crew's decision-making process regarding the conflicting approach geometries and the effectiveness of the information provided by the approach controller.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the incident was the **discrepancy between different navigation database providers (LIDO and Jeppesen)**, which led to inconsistent approach course information. This was compounded by the crew's lack of awareness regarding recent runway excursions by other aircraft using different RNAV procedures and the lack of clear, unified information regarding which specific RNAV approach was active during runway construction.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-10-19 aircraft accident near BIKF, IS?

A Boeing 757-200 operating a passenger flight experienced a near ground collision risk during an RNAV approach to runway 19 due to conflicting approach charts and miscommunication.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-10-19 involved a aircraft, registration TF-ISR, at BIKF, IS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the incident was the **discrepancy between different navigation database providers (LIDO and Jeppesen)**, which led to inconsistent approach course information. This was compounded by the crew's lack of awareness regarding recent runway excursions by other aircraft using different RNAV procedures…

Investigation report by the Icelandic Transportation Safety Board (RNSA). Original record: https://rnsa.is/flug/slysa-og-atvikaskyrslur/2016/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Rannsoknarnefnd samgonguslysa (RNSA), Iceland.

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