What happened
On August 16, 2020, a near collision occurred at Kristianstad Airport during a period when air traffic control services were not in operation. A De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Mk. III, carrying a pilot and six parachutists, was taxiing toward runway 01/19. As the aircraft reached the intersection with taxiway C, it entered the active runway at the same moment a Piper PA-2 operating as a training flight was performing its takeoff roll on runway 19. The two aircraft came into close proximity, though a collision was prevented when the pilot of the Piper performed an evasive maneuver.
The investigation
SHK examined the circumstances surrounding the runway entry and the communication environment at the time of the incident. The investigation established that the airport was operating in an uncontrolled state, though both aircraft were equipped with and utilizing radio communication. The inquiry found that radio transmissions were only partially heard by the crews involved. Additionally, the investigation looked into the visibility and physical obstructions within the cockpit of the taxiing aircraft.
Findings
Several contributing factors led to the near collision. The primary cause was the failure of the pilot of the taxiing aircraft to ensure the runway was clear before entering the movement area. This error was compounded by several secondary issues:
- The pilot's ability to monitor the runway was physically hindered, as the view to the right was obstructed by two seated passengers.
- The nature of the radio traffic at the time created a false perception for the pilot that no other aircraft were operating at the airport.
- The lack of active air traffic control services meant there was no external oversight to manage the runway conflict.