Investigation number
AO-2011-165
Occurrence date
Location
Moorabbin Airport
State
Victoria
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation level
Short
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Loss of separation
Occurrence class
Serious Incident
Highest injury level
None

At about 1500 Eastern Daylight-saving Time, on 17 December 2011, a Cessna 172R aircraft, registered VH-LWX (LWX), landed on runway 13L at Moorabbin Airport. On board were a student pilot and instructor. The student was the handling pilot, and the instructor was the pilot in command.

On vacating the runway, LWX was issued a clearance by air traffic services to taxi back to base via taxiway C, but to hold short of runway 13R. The pilot read back the requirement to hold short of runway 13R. The holding point on taxiway C was appropriately marked; however, LWX did not stop at the holding point, but continued across the runway, resulting in a runway incursion.

At the time of the incursion, a Cessna 172S, registered VH-EOR (EOR), with two persons on board, had just touched down to land on runway 13R. On seeing LWX cross the runway, the pilot of EOR applied full power, commenced a go-around, and passed overhead LWX. EOR subsequently completed a circuit and landed safely. There were no injuries or damage to either aircraft.

The pilot in command of LWX reported that he had been distracted by discussions with his student. The quick action by the pilot of EOR demonstrated the need for landing aircraft to keep a good lookout. The incident also highlights the need to avoid distractions when operating on or near an aerodrome.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Cessna Aircraft Company
Model
172
Registration
VH-LWX
Serial number
17280089
Operation type
Flying Training
Sector
Piston
Departure point
Moorabbin, VIC
Destination
Moorabbin, VIC
Damage
Nil
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Cessna Aircraft Company
Model
172
Registration
VH-EOR
Serial number
172S10273
Sector
Piston
Departure point
Moorabbin Airport, VIC
Destination
Moorabbin Airport, VIC
Damage
Nil