Description

On 9 April 2011, a Bombardier CRJ 200 being operated by Air Nostrum on a scheduled domestic passenger flight from Madrid to Menorca was inadvertently landed at destination on closed runway 01L instead of the parallel runway 01R for which landing clearance had been given and acknowledged. Maintenance activity was under way but the personnel involved, who only became aware of the approaching aircraft at the last moment, were not affected. The paved surface used was clear of obstructions, the landing performed was normal and the aircraft was undamaged.

Investigation

An Investigation was carried out by the CIAAIC. It was noted that both pilots were experienced overall and on the aircraft type involved. It was found that all aspects of the notification and implementation of the runway closure had been in order, including the presence of 10 white painted ‘X’ marks to the prescribed specification on the paved surface.

The closed runway on which the landing had been made was found to have been out of use since 10 February for major maintenance. On the day of the occurrence, it was almost ready for return to service which was at that time scheduled for four days later. It was noted that the view from the VCR did not permit a controller to readily distinguish between the closely spaced approach tracks to runways 01L and 01R. It was also noted that the main runway at the airport was 01L, with 01R only being used in the event that 01L was not available. There was no Instrument Landing System (ILS) facility transmitting for runway 01L