Breakdown of coordination involving Bombardier DHC-8, VH-QOC, and Boeing 737, VH-XZG, at Sydney Airport, New South Wales, on 27 July 2026

Summary

The ATSB is investigating a breakdown of coordination involving Bombardier DHC-8, VH-QOC, and Boeing 737, VH-XZG, at Sydney Airport, New South Wales, on 27 July 2026.

The aircraft were operating as QantasLink flight QLK424D, scheduled from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, to Sydney, and Qantas flight QFA124, scheduled from Queenstown, New Zealand, to Sydney.

Air traffic control (ATC) cleared the 737 on runway 25 to cross runway 34L while the DHC-8 was in the landing roll on runway 34L. ATC detected the conflict and advised both crews, with the 737 stopping after the holding point. The investigation is continuing.

The ATSB has commenced the examination and analysis of the initial evidence collected. To date, the ATSB investigation has:

• received Airservices advanced surface movement guidance and control system and air traffic control audio recordings
• interviewed the involved tower controllers and both flight crews 
• received manuals and procedures for Qantas and Airservices 
• obtained flight data recordings from both aircraft 
• obtained CCTV of the occurrence.

The continuing investigation will include:

• analysis of recorded aircraft and air traffic control data
• further review, examination and analysis of the supplied CCTV
• review of the warning/alerting available to controllers
• review of policy and procedures related to handing over and accepting control of a tower position
• review of Airservices fatigue management and rostering.

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.