What happened
On the morning of 10 December 2021, a Bombardier Canada, Challenger CL350, operated by Vistajet Ltd. with registration 9H-VCL, was performing a commercial flight under instrument flight rules (IFR) from Geneva Airport (LSGG) to Vienna-Schwechat Airport (LOWW). During the takeoff phase of the flight, three ground support vehicles—specifically Boschung Jetbroom 9000 snow plugs—entered the active runway. The presence of these vehicles created a runway incursion while the aircraft was in the process of departing.
The investigation
The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) conducted an investigation into the incident. The inquiry focused on the movement of the ground support vehicles, operated by Genève Aéroport, and the timing of their entry onto the runway relative to the departing aircraft. The investigation examined the coordination between airport ground operations and air traffic control to determine how the vehicles entered the runway environment during an active takeoff.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a runway incursion by snow plug vehicles during the takeoff roll of the aircraft.
- The ground vehicles involved were identified as three separate Boschung Jetbroom 9000 snow plugs, each operated by a single driver.
- There were no injuries to the two pilots, one cabin crew member, or the five passengers on board the aircraft.
- No damage was sustained by the 9H-VCL or the ground support equipment.