Media Release
2009/07
Final ATSB report into the operational non-compliance at Perth Airport on 9 May 2008
30 June 2009
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has released its
final investigation report into the serious incident at Perth
Airport, WA on 9 May 2008, involving an approach and landing by a
Boeing Company 737-800, registered PK-GEF, during a period of
planned runway works.
The ATSB report found that the permanent runway 21 threshold and
touchdown markings were not required to be obscured and were
clearly visible to the flight crew. Those markings continued to
provide approach and landing cues to the normal touchdown zone,
which was located within the runway works area. The use of 6 m
closed runway markings, in lieu of 36 m markings as recommended by
the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), increased the
risk of a flight crew conducting a visual approach to the
still-visible permanent threshold/touchdown area.
The report outlines a number of differences between the closed
runway markings as recommended by ICAO Annex 14 Aerodromes, and the
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Manual of Standards (MOS)
Part 139 Aerodromes.
A number of safety issues were identified as a result of the
ATSB investigation. Safety action undertaken by the aircraft
operator, the airport operator, and CASA in response to those
safety issues should, when completed, reduce the risk of a similar
event in the future.
Copies of the report can be downloaded from the ATSB's internet
site at www.atsb.gov.au or obtained from the ATSB by telephoning
1800 020 616.
Media Contact: 1800 020 616