What happened
On 1 September 2009, a Cessna 510 Mustang Citation, registered G-LEAA, was operating a charter flight from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to London Luton. After receiving engine start and taxi instructions, the crew proceeded toward runway 22. During the taxi process, the crew contacted Schiphol Ground, receiving an instruction to "continue to runway 22."
While attempting to switch to the Tower frequency, a 30-second gap in radio communications occurred because the runway controller was occupied with other traffic. During this interval, the crew of G-LEAA proceeded to line up on the runway. This movement placed the aircraft in the path of a Cessna 525, registration PH-SOL, which was on final approach for landing. The approaching aircraft was forced to execute an immediate go-around to avoid a collision. No injuries or aircraft damage were reported.
The investigation
The investigation examined radio transcripts, air traffic control records, and crew statements. Investigators focused on the specific phraseology used by the ground controller and the crew's response to observing approaching traffic. The investigation also reviewed the use of airport infrastructure, such as stop bars, which were not active due to the clear visibility at the time.
Findings
- The ground controller failed to use standard ICAO phraseology, which requires specific instructions to taxi to a holding point rather than a runway.
- The crew misinterpreted the instruction "continue to runway 22" as a clearance to enter the runway itself.
- The crew observed the approaching PH-SOL aircraft; however, the first officer assumed the aircraft was approaching a different runway, and the crew did not find the presence of the other aircraft to be a reason to halt their movement.
- The lack of active stop bar lights meant there was no visual barrier to prevent the unauthorized entry.