What happened
On December 2, 2024, at approximately 23:04, an air traffic controller at Keflavík Airport (BIKF) cleared a Boeing 767-300BCF, registration TF-ISP, for takeoff from Runway 19. At the time of the clearance, the aircraft was still taxiing on taxiway N-4, significantly distant from the active runway.
Shortly after issuing the takeoff clearance, the controller removed the aircraft's flight strip from the working position to prepare for an upcoming meeting. While the aircraft was proceeding toward the runway, a convoy of four snow removal vehicles, led by vehicle FROST 10, requested permission to enter Runway 01 via taxiway S-1. The controller granted this clearance and activated the green centerline lights for the taxiway.
At 23:06, the Boeing 767-300BCF entered Runway 19 and commenced its takeoff roll. Simultaneously, the snow removal convoy proceeded onto the runway. The lead vehicle, FROST 10, observed the aircraft in its takeoff roll at the intersection of runways 19 and 10 and performed an emergency brake. The aircraft passed within approximately 5 meters of the vehicle's cockpit. The aircraft continued its takeoff and departed the ground at 23:06:54.
The investigation
The RNSA investigation focused on the controller's actions, the lighting systems, and communication capabilities. The investigation established that the controller had issued the takeoff clearance nearly 90 seconds before the aircraft actually reached the runway, which the RNSA deemed hazardous.
Investigators found that the controller's situational awareness was compromised by his focus on preparing for a 01:00 meeting. By removing the flight strip prematurely, the controller lost the visual indicator that the runway was occupied. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the FROST 10 vehicle was not equipped with a radio scanner to monitor both tower and ground frequencies, meaning the driver could not hear the controller's communications regarding the departing aircraft.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incursion was the controller's loss of situational awareness caused by preoccupation with administrative tasks and upcoming meetings.
- The controller issued takeoff clearance too far in advance of the aircraft's arrival at the runway threshold.
- The controller failed to follow standard procedures for managing flight strips, which led to the loss of the visual cue that the runway was occupied.
- The controller did not issue a warning or a cancellation of the takeoff clearance to the crew of TF-ISP once the incursion was identified.
- The snow removal vehicle FROST 10 lacked the necessary radio equipment to monitor the tower frequency, preventing the driver from receiving critical traffic updates.
Safety action
- RNSA recommends that Isavia equip all airport service vehicles used regularly on runways with radio scanners capable of monitoring both tower and ground frequencies.
- RNSA recommends that Isavia and Isavia ANS evaluate procedures regarding the timing of clearances to prevent issuing takeoff permissions too far in advance of runway arrival.