The ATSB is investigating a runway incursion involving a Bombardier DHC-8-402 registered VH‑QOD and a Piper PA-28, registered VH-XDK, at Wagga Wagga Airport, New South Wales, on 15 July 2024.
The Bombardier DHC-8 entered active runway 05 as the Piper PA-28 began its take-off roll. The crew of the DHC-8 was made aware of the PA-28 by another aircraft and stopped, reversing the aircraft clear of the runway.
Both crews report making the appropriate radio calls, however, no radio calls were heard from either aircraft reportedly due to known radio shielding.
In the course of the investigation, the ATSB has identified potential limitations in risk controls that are considered likely to have potentially contributed to the occurrence. Examination of these factors represent a significant increase in the scope of this investigation, and it has been upgraded from Short to Defined as a result (the ATSB's different levels of investigation are detailed here).
To date, the ATSB investigation has included:
- collection and review of radio call data
- review of operator supplied information
- examination of reported details from both crew
- contact and discussion with the aerodrome operator
- crew interviews
- aerodrome operator interviews
- examination/analysis of reported radio shielding
- review of applicable operational policies and procedures in relation to transponder usage.
The final report has been drafted and is undergoing internal review to ensure the report adequately and accurately reflects the evidence collected, analysis, and agreed findings.
The final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.