“Hold your position, just stop!” Those were the air traffic controller’s exasperated words when it became clear that things had gotten thoroughly messed up in the dense fog that cloaked the airport and hampered visibility from the tower and from the cockpits of three large aircraft—one taxiing after landing, one taking off, and one holding for takeoff.
That night on December 6, 1999, UA 1448 had made one wrong turn while taxiing in severely reduced visibility: It became the first link in a series of mistaken assumptions by its crew and the tower controller. View this video animation of the eerie events that took place that dark, foggy night at Providence, Rhode Island’s Theodore Francis Green State Airport and learn how the pilots communicated and averted a serious accident (www.airsafetyinstitute.org/pvd-incursion).
Runway incursions happen in just seconds, whether by a single miscalculation or a host of slipups converging at the wrong time. That’s why it’s important to communicate clearly and appropriately, doublecheck clearances, be vigilant, and have good situational awareness when maneuvering on the airport. Prior to ground movement—especially at an unfamiliar airport—it is important to study the airport diagram and notams, and be extra vigilant about proper communication and visually clearing the area during approach, takeoff, or taxi.
There is a host of free airport safety education available from the Air Safety Institute, such as ASI’s Runway Safety online course produced with the support of the FAA’s Office of Runway Safety, runway safety flash cards, Ask ATC videos, and safety quizzes—including one on airport signs and markings.
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