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 evidence collection phase of the investigation will involve interviewing involved parties, retrieving and reviewing recorded data, and the collection of other relevant information.
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.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | AO-2026-086 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 27/07/2026 |
| Occurrence time and timezone | 08:14 Australian Eastern Standard Time |
| Location | Sydney Airport |
| State | New South Wales |
| Report status | Pending |
| Anticipated completion | Q4 2026 |
| Investigation level | Short |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation phase | Evidence collection |
| Investigation status | Active |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Breakdown of co-ordination, Information/procedural error, Runway incursion |
| Occurrence class | Serious Incident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Bombardier Inc |
|---|---|
| Model | DHC-8-402 |
| Registration | VH-QOC |
| Serial number | 4117 |
| Aircraft operator | Sunstate Airlines (Qld) Pty. Limited |
| Sector | Turboprop |
| Operation type | Part 121 Air transport operations - larger aeroplanes |
| Activity | Commercial air transport-Scheduled-Domestic |
| Departure point | Canberra Airport, Australian Capital Territory |
| Destination | Sydney Airport, New South Wales |
| Injuries | None |
| Damage | Nil |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | The Boeing Company |
|---|---|
| Model | 737-838 |
| Registration | VH-XZG |
| Serial number | 39371 |
| Aircraft operator | Qantas Airways Limited |
| Sector | Jet |
| Operation type | Part 121 Air transport operations - larger aeroplanes |
| Activity | Commercial air transport-Scheduled-International |
| Departure point | Queenstown International Airport, New Zealand |
| Destination | Sydney Airport, New South Wales |
| Injuries | None |
| Damage | Nil |