Landing at a closed aerodrome involving Cessna 310, VH-TWN, Corowa Aerodrome, New South Wales, on 20 February 2013

On 20 February 2013, the pilot of a Cessna 310 aircraft, registered VH‑TWN (TWN), arrived at Wagga Wagga Airport to conduct a freight charter flight to Albury and Corowa, New South Wales.

In preparation for the flight, the pilot reviewed the applicable weather forecasts and Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on a computer. At that time, another company employee initiated a conversation with the pilot. The pilot completed his pre-flight preparations and the aircraft departed at 0730 for Albury.

Prior to 0800, four workers at the Corowa aerodrome commenced laying unserviceability cross markers on runway 05/23. The runway had been declared closed from 0800 to 1800 due to works in progress (WIP); runway 14/32 remained open.

At about 0810, TWN departed Albury for Corowa. When 19 NM and 10 NM from Corowa, the pilot reported broadcasting an inbound call on the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF). The pilot broadcast additional calls on the CTAF advising he was on base and final for runway 23.

The workers at Corowa were in the process of placing the last unserviceability cross marker near the runway 05 threshold, when they observed TWN on final approach for runway 23. The workers vehicle was also positioned on the runway. The workers and vehicle vacated the runway.

At about 0825, TWN landed on runway 23. Immediately after landing, when about 90-120 m along the runway, the pilot observed an unserviceability cross marker on the ground.

The workers were monitoring the CTAF on a hand held radio, but no broadcasts from TWN were reportedly heard.

This incident demonstrates the importance of maintaining a high level of vigilance, even when conducting familiar tasks; and the unexpected nature of distractions and the impact they can have on pre-flight preparations.

Aviation Short Investigation Bulletin - Issue 19