What's Happening?
A China Eastern Airlines Boeing 777-300ER crew failed to respond to a go-around call, leading to a runway incursion incident at Singapore Changi Airport. The incident occurred on August 28, 2024, involving two China Eastern aircraft arriving from Shanghai Pudong. The Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) reported that the Airbus A320neo was traveling too fast to vacate the runway at the designated exit, prompting the controller to instruct the Boeing 777 to go around. However, the 777 crew did not acknowledge the instruction and landed, as the controller assessed that the A320neo had cleared the runway. The TSIB noted that the crew's workload and simultaneous altitude call-outs from the jet's Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System might have affected the audibility of the controller's transmission.
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Why It's Important?
This incident highlights the critical importance of communication and situational awareness in aviation safety. The failure to execute a go-around can lead to potential runway incursions, posing risks to aircraft and passengers. The event underscores the need for air traffic controllers and flight crews to maintain vigilance and clear communication, especially in high-pressure situations. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore has since reminded controllers to instruct go-arounds when necessary, aiming to prevent future occurrences and ensure safe operations at busy airports like Singapore Changi.
What's Next?
Following the incident, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore has implemented a review of operations and included the occurrence in a case study to enhance safety protocols. China Eastern Airlines has reminded its pilots to be vigilant for low-level go-around instructions. These measures aim to improve response times and communication between air traffic control and flight crews, reducing the risk of similar incidents in the future.
