Runway incursion and near collision involving a Boeing 737, ZK-TXB, and a ground vehicle, at Melbourne Airport, Victoria, on 17 February 2026

The ATSB is investigating a runway incursion and near collision involving a Boeing 737, registered ZK-TXB, and a ground vehicle at Melbourne Airport, Victoria, on 17 February 2026.

During the take-off on runway 34 at Melbourne Airport, the pilot of a Boeing 737 was alerted by ATC to a vehicle on the runway at the intersection of runway 09/27 and as a result conducted a high-speed rejected take-off.

The ATSB has commenced the examination and analysis of the initial evidence collected.

To date, the ATSB investigation will include:

• interviewing the flight crew and airport staff
• examining available closed-circuit television (CCTV)
• examination of relevant procedures and policies
• analysis of flight recorder and air traffic surveillance data 

A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.