Date: 19th October 2024
Location: Long Beach Airport (LGB), California, USA
Aircraft Involved:
1. Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700, registration N250WN
2. Diamond DA40, registration N895AM
Operators:
• Southwest Airlines (WN-1671): Commercial Flight
• Private Operator (N895AM): General Aviation
Route:
• Southwest Airlines: Oakland (OAK) to Long Beach (LGB)
• Diamond DA40: Camarillo (CMA) to Long Beach (LGB)
Occupants:
• Southwest Airlines: Unknown
• Diamond DA40: Unknown
Injuries: None reported
Damage: None reported
Summary of Events
On 19th October 2024, a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 landed on Long Beach Airport’s runway 30 while a Diamond DA40 was still occupying the same runway. The Boeing landed safely and slowed to taxi speed (17 knots) approximately 857 feet ahead of the stationary DA40. The Southwest crew reported the presence of the other aircraft to air traffic control (ATC) after completing their landing roll.
The Diamond DA40 had landed on runway 30 approximately two minutes earlier, with instructions to hold short of runway 26R. However, the DA40 remained stationary on runway 30, short of the crossing runway. Despite this, the Southwest flight was cleared to land on the same runway, creating a runway incursion event.
Sequence of Events
1. Diamond DA40 Landing:
• The DA40 was cleared to land on runway 30 and instructed to hold short of runway 26R.
• After landing, the DA40 stopped on runway 30 and reported its position to ATC at 1449:50.
2. Southwest 737 Approach and Landing:
• The Southwest flight reported inbound for landing on runway 30 at 1446:46 and was cleared to land at 1447:20.
• ATC provided a traffic advisory regarding a Cessna in the pattern but did not mention the DA40 still occupying runway 30.
• The Southwest 737 landed on runway 30 at 1450:05 and slowed to taxi speed about 857 feet ahead of the DA40.
3. Runway Incursion Reported:
• The Southwest crew reported the DA40 on the runway to ATC after completing their landing roll.
4. Post-Incident Actions:
• Both aircraft taxied to their respective parking areas without further incident.
Initial Findings
1. Air Traffic Control Mismanagement:
• ATC failed to ensure the runway was clear before issuing landing clearance to the Southwest flight.
• A lack of situational awareness resulted in conflicting instructions to both aircraft.
2. Diamond DA40 Actions:
• The DA40 crew remained stationary on the runway after landing, despite having been instructed to hold short of runway 26R.
3. Southwest Flight Crew Actions:
• The Southwest crew landed on the occupied runway, potentially due to the inability to visually identify the DA40 during approach.
4. Runway Occupancy Procedures:
• The event highlights gaps in runway occupancy monitoring and communication between ATC and flight crews.
Safety Risks
1. Collision Hazard:
• A high-speed incursion involving an occupied runway poses a significant risk of collision, especially during landing operations.
2. Breakdown in Communication:
• Ineffective communication between ATC and flight crews exacerbated the risk of the incident.
3. Crew Workload and Situational Awareness:
• The complexity of managing multiple aircraft in the pattern and on intersecting runways likely contributed to the breakdown in situational awareness.
Recommendations
1. Improved ATC Procedures:
• Reinforce ATC protocols to ensure runways are clear before issuing landing clearances.
2. Runway Monitoring Technology:
• Implement or enhance runway monitoring systems to alert controllers of potential incursions.
3. Flight Crew Training:
• Emphasise training on visual confirmation of runway occupancy during approach and landing.
4. Post-Incident Review:
• Conduct a comprehensive review of ATC operations at Long Beach Airport to identify and address systemic vulnerabilities.
Safety Lessons
This incident underscores the critical importance of maintaining situational awareness, clear communication, and adherence to standard operating procedures by both air traffic control and flight crews. The event highlights the need for robust monitoring and coordination measures to prevent runway incursions at busy airports.
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts we have at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
