Plane was just 15 seconds from crash on runway

A RYANAIR plane carrying 170 people from Cork Airport came within 15 seconds of smashing into a police van as it was accelerating down the runway.

A new report by the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) reveals the driver of the airport police vehicle only left the runaway after becoming aware that the aircraft, which had been given clearance, was accelerating for take-off.

The incident, which occurred at 9.21am on July 22, 2009, involved a Boeing 737 operated by Ryanair with 164 passengers and six crew on board.

The investigators report estimated the aircraft and vehicle were just 700 metres apart when the police van moved off the runway.

As the aircraft was travelling at the rate of 90 knots (167km/h) along the runway, it meant they were just less than 15 seconds away from a potential collision.

However, the pilot continued with take-off as the airport police vehicle pulled onto an intersecting runway in time.

The report noted that the controller responsible for surface movements at Cork Airport had taken a relief break about 15 minutes before the incident after receiving a distressing personal call earlier that morning.

Another controller who was responsible for air movements told AAIU investigators that the vehicle was not easily visible from the control tower.

He claimed it was difficult to see the vehicle in wet conditions because of its low profile, white colouring and rain on the tower’s windows.

The use of different communication frequencies by vehicles and aircraft using the same runway meant the driver was unaware the Ryanair jet had been cleared for take-off. This was considered a contributory factor.

Another factor was the erroneous removal of the “runway occupied” strip holder by an air traffic controller after another vehicle had cleared the airfield without realising the airport police vehicle was still on the runway.

The investigators report noted that the one individual was working as controller for both surface and air movements at the time of the incident — roles which would normally be carried out by two controllers.

However, such an amalgamation of roles is permissible when traffic levels are relatively light.

Investigators concluded that the workload at the time of the incident was still manageable for one individual but it had contributed to a level of distraction for the controller on duty.

Welcoming the report, the Irish Aviation Authority said it had implemented nine safety recommendations which had been identified in its own internal investigation into the event.

In particular, all airfield vehicles at Cork Airport are now equipped to monitor dual frequencies.

“Safety is the primary focus of the IAA and we continually work to maintain and improve safety standards,” said IAA director of operations, Donie Mooney.

The suitability of white-coloured vehicles for airfield patrols is also being reviewed. In addition, all airfield vehicles at Cork Airport must now use headlights and hazard lights in addition to an amber rotating beacon to increase their visibility.