Investigation number
AO-2022-062
Occurrence date
Location
Sydney Airport
State
New South Wales
Report status
Pending
Investigation level
Short
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation phase
Final report: Internal review
Investigation status
Active
Aviation occurrence type
ANSP operational error
Occurrence category
Incident
Highest injury level
None
Anticipated completion

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating an air traffic control error that occurred at Sydney Airport on 14 November 2022, involving a taxiing Boeing 737 and an Airbus A380 aircraft, departing on runway 34L.

The Boeing 737 had recently landed on runway 25. When issuing the landing clearance, the aerodrome controller had provided the flight crew traffic information about the Airbus A380, lined up but holding position on the threshold of the intersecting runway, 34L.

The Airbus A380 was issued a take-off clearance as the Boeing 737 crossed through the intersection of the runways. The Boeing 737 vacated runway 25 onto the taxiway and the flight crew contacted the surface movement controller, who issued clearance to cross runway 34L and taxi to their allocated parking bay.

The Airbus A380 was becoming airborne as it passed through the taxiway intersection, with the Boeing 737 about 300 m from the runway 34L holding point. The Boeing 737 did not infringe the runway strip during the Airbus A380’s take-off and a runway incursion did not occur.

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 investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.

Last Updated
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
The Boeing Company
Model
737-8SA
Registration
VH-IWQ
Aircraft Operator
Virgin Australia Airlines
Serial number
44225
Operation type
Part 121 Air transport operations - larger aeroplanes
Sector
Jet
Departure point
Melbourne Airport, Victoria
Destination
Sydney Airport, New South Wales
Damage
Nil
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Airbus
Model
A380-841
Registration
9V-SKQ
Aircraft Operator
Singapore Airlines
Serial number
79
Operation type
Part 129 Foreign air transport operators
Sector
Jet
Departure point
Sydney Airport, New South Wales
Destination
Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore
Damage
Nil