Air carrier A321 flight crew reported a helicopter crossed over the runway while they were on short final.
Synopsis
Air carrier A321 flight crew reported a helicopter crossed over the runway while they were on short final.
Narrative
Cleared to land on Runway XXL; we heard the Tower authorize another aircraft to cross the same runway. According to the recorded ATC audio; the Tower mentioned traffic on a 2 mile final." The aircraft crossing acknowledged our position. At that moment; we were between 1;000-500 feet AGL; urgently scanning for what we believed to be crossing traffic on the ground; but all we could see was aircraft holding short. The Tower had not explicitly instructed us to look for traffic or identified its location; so I felt compelled to inquire about the crossing traffic. I asked twice; as we were descending through 500 feet without visual confirmation of the traffic.When we were about 200-300 feet above the ground; the Tower informed us that the traffic was not a factor. Immediately after that statement; we both spotted the crossing helicopter moving left to right over the runway numbers at XXL. By the time we saw it; the helicopter was directly over the numbers and clearing our path. Had we noticed it earlier or been informed about its location; we would have opted to go around. We were never informed that the crossing traffic was an airborne helicopter or that it would be crossing at the runway numbers. While I am not well-versed in the legalities surrounding clearance for an aircraft to cross while another is on final; from my perspective in the cockpit; it felt far too close. Another aircraft observing the situation also agreed; describing it as "egregious" over the radio. I conveyed my concerns to the Tower about the proximity of the crossing traffic.Cause: Communication played a significant role in this situation. I believe the Tower should have clarified that the traffic was airborne. This information would have altered my scan and where I focused my attention. Again; while I may not be fully knowledgeable about the legalities surrounding ATC protocols for crossing traffic."
Second reporter narrative
While on approach to Runway XXL at approximately 1;000' MSL we were cleared to land. We then heard ATC state Aircraft Y no delay cross Runway XXL". We could only see traffic holding short of XXL for departure and uncertain of the location of crossing traffic so the pilot monitoring (PM) immediately asked for clarification asking "where's that traffic crossings?". ATC said "traffic will be crossing left to right'. Still we did not see any traffic approaching or crossing runway XXL. The PM again for the second time queried ATC about traffic. ATC stated "traffic is no factor for you". Moments later we were descending through approximately 200-300' AGL on very short final a small helicopter came into view crossing left to right directly in front of us. This was too close for comfort and the PM stated something to that effect to ATC. An unidentified aircraft on the ground chimed in and stated on Tower frequency "egregious". By the time the threat was identified it was too late to mitigate the threat by initiating a go around as the helicopter was already clearing our flight path. Had I been aware that the traffic in question was airborne my attention would not have been focused as heavily to the intersecting taxiways and runway where I perceived the greatest threat to be. ATC never issued us a traffic advisory regarding airborne helicopter traffic. Due to our altitude and intruding helicopter altitude no TA nor RA was received. I question whether the helicopters transponder was on because I did not notice the helicopter target on our TCAS display. However it is possible this was due to my attention heavily focused on the runway environment. Had I been aware the helicopter was that close whether it was in sight or not I absolutely would have gone around early in the approach. My First Officer (FO) who was the PM did a great job by continually querying ATC giving them a chance to give us the appropriate information which would have helped to mitigate what I consider an unsafe situation. I am in total agreement with the pilot that viewed it from the taxiway; egregious!Cause: There seems to be policy failures in terms of aircraft landing and helicopters operating in vicinity of airports. This should be addressed ASAP (As Soon As Possible). Traffic cleared to land should be afforded a safety bubble around them as this is one of the most critical phases of flight and flight deck crews are focused on the task of safely landing."
More incidents for this aircraft family →
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.