Description

On 7 March 2016, an Embraer 190 (PH-EXB) being operated by KLM Cityhopper on a scheduled international passenger flight from Basel Mulhouse to Amsterdam as KLM1986 entered the departure runway in normal daylight ground visibility just as a Dornier 328 (HB-AEO) being operated by SKYWork on a domestic passenger flight from Basel Mulhouse to Bern as SRK51R was taking off in the opposite direction. ATC only recognised the conflict when it was too late to resolve it by further instructions but fortunately, the other aircraft was just able to overfly the incursion aircraft after a late sighting of it.

Investigation

An Investigation was carried out by the BEA France. Recorded flight data was available from both the aircraft involved but relevant recorded voice data had been overwritten. A record of relevant ATC communications was available and interviews with the pilots involved were conducted. All ATC communications were conducted in English. Pilot experience information was not recorded but it was noted that although the E190 First Officer had been designated as PF, the Captain was responsible for taxiing the aircraft due to the absence of a steering tiller at the First Officer position. The TWR position was occupied by an experienced controller who was being supervised by an OJTI in order to qualify at Basel Mulhouse after transferring as an experienced controller and OJTI from Nice.