Turboprop Captain reports a near collision with a mower during landing on Runway 25 at DUJ. The mower driver entered the runway with intention to cross just as the reporter was landing.
Synopsis
Turboprop Captain reports a near collision with a mower during landing on Runway 25 at DUJ. The mower driver entered the runway with intention to cross just as the reporter was landing.
Narrative
On the visual approach to Runway 25 the crew observed mowers operating to the left of the runway just past the PAPI. The mower was mowing perpendicular to the runway going from about the runway edge lights out to the open field. This is normal and the crew advised each other to use caution. The wind was about a 15 KT cross wind and was gusty. After several position reports the crew called 'DUJ area traffic Be-1900 short Final 25 DUJ'. Upon the landing flare and touchdown the mower increased speed toward the runway. The aircraft wingtip just cleared the mower by no more then 15 FT as the mowers front wheel was on the runway by the time the wingtip crossed it. There was no contact made by the aircraft and landing was completed and aircraft taxied to gate without incident. The mower also crossed the runway and was parked and shut down by the time the crew deplaned. After deplaning the Captain called the line workers who informed him the mower operator had just gone home for the day.In an event like this I believe there were several factors. The mower was not equipped with any radio or it was not used so the operator could not relay intentions to the crew. The wind was gusting so the pilot flying was very focused on the flight instruments as the pilot not flying was focused on the mower. Lastly it seemed the mower operator was in a rush to go home. This was an incident that could have led to severe aircraft damage and potential injuries to ground crew and passengers.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.