What happened
On 3 June 2022, a utility vehicle (UV) operated by the Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (ARFF) entered Runway 3 at Changi Airport. The driver, traveling from Fire Station 2 to Fire Station 3, attempted to use a recently opened alternative route. During the transit, the driver mistook Taxiway MY1 for Taxiway MY.
Upon approaching the runway holding position, the driver contacted the Changi East Tower (CET) Runway Controller (RWC) to request permission to proceed. The RWC deactivated the red stop bar lights at the holding position on Taxiway MY1. Believing the path was clear, the driver proceeded forward and entered the active runway. The incursion was eventually detected by the flight crew of an aircraft preparing for takeoff, who alerted the controller. The driver subsequently performed a U-turn and exited the runway.
The investigation
An investigation by the TSIB examined the driver's navigation, the controller's actions, and the functionality of the airport's surveillance systems. Investigators found that the driver was distracted by a mobile phone while checking communication procedures, which prevented him from noticing ground markings and signage indicating the runway ahead.
Regarding air traffic control, the investigation scrutinized why the RWC deactivated the stop bar lights and subsequently issued a takeoff clearance to an aircraft without verifying runway occupancy. Furthermore, the investigation assessed the effectiveness of the Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS), which had generated both visual and aural alerts during the incursion.