Overview
• Operator: Royal Air Maroc
• Aircraft Model: Boeing 737-8 MAX
• Registration: CN-MAX
• Flight Number: AT-761
• Route: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN)
• Date: 22 June 2024
• Occupants: Not specified
• Casualties: None reported
• Nature of Incident: Runway incursion involving a Lufthansa Cargo aircraft
Incident Summary
A Royal Air Maroc Boeing 737-8 MAX, operating as flight AT-761, landed on runway 35L at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) and was taxiing towards the apron when it crossed runway 35R without clearance.
At the same time, a Lufthansa Cargo Airbus A321-200 freighter, registered D-AEUI, was in the process of accelerating for takeoff on runway 35R as flight LH-8349 to Frankfurt.
The Moroccan Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigations (BEA) confirmed that a runway incursion occurred, and an investigation was launched. Due to the involvement of a German-registered aircraft, the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) later joined the inquiry.
Sequence of Events
Pre-incident Conditions:
• AT-761 landed on runway 35L and commenced taxiing to the terminal.
• LH-8349 was cleared for takeoff from runway 35R and was in the acceleration phase.
Incident Occurrence:
• The Royal Air Maroc B737 MAX inadvertently crossed runway 35R while the Lufthansa Cargo A321 freighter was accelerating for takeoff.
• No immediate collision risk was reported, but the incursion violated standard runway safety protocols.
• Air traffic control (ATC) and both flight crews became aware of the situation, prompting an investigation into possible miscommunication or procedural errors.
Aftermath & Response:
• No evasive action was reported from the Lufthansa crew.
• The Moroccan BEA opened an official investigation into the cause of the runway incursion.
• On 21 February 2025, the German BFU confirmed its participation in the inquiry due to the involvement of a German-registered aircraft.
Investigation & Initial Findings
• The investigation is being led by Morocco’s BEA, with Germany’s BFU contributing.
• Key factors under review include:
• ATC instructions and coordination between ground control and the aircraft.
• Crew situational awareness and taxiing procedures followed by AT-761.
• Any signage, lighting, or operational factors at Casablanca Mohammed V Airport.
• No confirmed technical malfunctions or ATC system failures have been reported.
Analysis & Safety Recommendations
• Taxi route clearance protocols must be reviewed to ensure clear communication between ATC and flight crews.
• Royal Air Maroc should reinforce runway crossing procedures during crew training to prevent similar incursions.
• The investigation may lead to updated taxiway signage or ground movement protocols at Casablanca Mohammed V Airport.
• Further analysis of ATC logs, cockpit voice recordings, and ground radar data will be crucial in determining human or procedural errors.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on available information as of 21 February 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.”
