TRACON and Tower Controllers reported traffic landed on closed parallel runway at night; without a clearance. Controllers reported that the lit X closure indicator was not in place and it was difficult for tower to determine aircraft runway alignment at night.
Synopsis
TRACON and Tower Controllers reported traffic landed on closed parallel runway at night; without a clearance. Controllers reported that the lit X closure indicator was not in place and it was difficult for tower to determine aircraft runway alignment at night.
Narrative
Aircraft X was cleared to land on runway XXL; but landed without receiving a landing clearance on a closed runway while personnel and equipment were occupying the departure end of runway XXR. The aircraft exited the runway at taxiway 1 (approximately 3600 ft. available - where the personnel and equipment were. No injuries or damage occurred. Brasher warning was given via recorded landline. Additional information - Runway edge lights were off; however FAA personnel were on the departure end of runway XXR erecting the first runway 'X' closure signs for runway XYL (Runway XXR 'X' was not up yet). Also; the MALSF approach lights (airport managed; not FAA) were on a low visibility setting; which could have affected the outcome of this deviation/incursion if they has been turned completely off. Suggestions: #1 In order to prevent aircraft from being able to visually line up with a closed runway; suggest the airport to make sure all runway lights; including the approach lights; are turned off. #2 Ensure pilots understand that they need a valid landing clearance from the tower before landing on any runway. If in doubt; ask ATC to clarify if they are cleared to land. #3 Even during the day; from the tower's vantage point; all aircraft appear to be aligned with either runway; you cannot tell which runway they are aligned with until they are fewer than 700 feet above it. Now it's even harder to discern if they are aligned with the assigned runway at night.
Second reporter narrative
Aircraft X was cleared for a visual approach to runway XXL at ZZZ. The aircraft landed on closed runway XXR. ZZZ tower was open.I had no idea this happened until I received a text this morning. After listening to my recording; I became aware that I cleared this aircraft for a visual approach to runway XXL and instructed them to contact ZZZ tower. They readback; 'cleared visual approach; contact tower'. After some research into this event; there were holes in the swiss cheese everywhere. I have not yet gotten briefed on exactly what happened at ZZZ but there seems to be many issues that could have stopped this incident from occurring. A few contributing factors (some I learned after the incident). I don't believe the aircraft was ever cleared to land. After speaking to some prior ZZZ tower controllers; I learned that at night it is very hard to see whether and aircraft is lined up for XXL or XXR. It's impossible to see if an aircraft is landing XXL or XXR on our scope because of how close the runways are together. I heard that the runway lights/approach lights were not set appropriately. I believe a prior controller told the aircraft to expect runway XXR; possibly not knowing about the closure or told them prior to the closure occurring. The aircraft had VA (visual approach) in the scratch pad indicating to me they were already issued a runway assignment. I believe the aircraft had an ATIS that did not advertise the closure. The pilot also did not sound very proficient on the tapes. Suggestion: In hindsight; I should have clarified that the pilot was cleared visual approach to runway XXL and that the right side was closed. Though this was not the best readback; it was a correct readback.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.