What happened
On 21 February 2010, a South African Express Airways (Pty) Ltd DHC 8-300, registration ZS-NMB, arrived at O.R. Tambo International Airport (FAJS) on a scheduled domestic flight from Richards Bay. The aircraft was carrying 40 passengers and 4 crew members.
After landing on runway 03R with a slight tailwind, the crew exited the runway via taxiway “S”. While taxiing back toward taxiway “E” via taxi and taxiway “Y”, the crew did not observe the requirement to hold short of the holding point. By crossing the holding point, the aircraft entered and blocked taxiway “E”. This incursion forced another arriving aircraft to vacate its runway at taxiway “S” rather than its intended exit at taxiway “E”.
The investigation
The investigation into the incident at FAJS established that the weather conditions were fine with good visibility and no significant wind issues. The crew was found to be properly licensed, with both the captain and first officer holding valid medical certificates and the necessary type ratings for the DHC 8-300.
Technical inspections confirmed that ZS-NMB was correctly maintained, with no recorded defects prior to the flight. Furthermore, the operator and the maintenance organization both held valid certificates. The investigation confirmed that the tower had specifically instructed the crew to hold short of the holding point on taxiway “E” before entering the taxiway.