Runway incursion between a Cessna 206, VH-LHX and a Cessna 210, VH-HGZ, Gove Airport, Northern Territory, on 13 August 2013

On 13 August 2013, the pilot of a Cessna 210 aircraft, registered VH-HGZ (HGZ), was conducting a charter flight from Groote Eylandt to Gove Airport, Northern Territory. Prior to commencing the descent, the pilot broadcast an inbound call on the Gove common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF). Soon after, the pilot reported broadcasting a call advising he was at 10 NM, inbound, with the intention of joining the base leg of the circuit for runway 31.

At about the same time, the pilot of a Cessna 206 aircraft, registered VH-LHX (LHX), broadcast a call on the CTAF advising that he was taxiing at Gove. Shortly after, the pilot broadcast another call stating that he was entering and backtracking runway 13.

The pilot of HGZ joined base for runway 31 and broadcast a call. The pilot stated that he was aware of LHX taxiing.

The pilot of LHX contacted the pilot of HGZ and confirmed that he was approaching runway 31. The pilot of LHX then immediately broadcast a call advising that he was on the runway and was lining up for runway 13, but no response was received. The pilot of LHX then broadcast his intention to hold at the turning node, which was located mid-way along the runway, but within the confines of the flight strip. The pilot of HGZ responded and advised that he had LHX sighted and was on final approach for runway 31. 

HGZ landed on runway 31 and vacated the runway. At the time, LHZ was positioned at the turning node, but the runway was still occupied. LHX subsequently departed from runway 13.

Aviation Short Investigation Bulletin - Issue 24