Incident during go-around at Schiphol

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On Sunday 10 May 2015 an incident has occurred at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. An aircraft aborted the final approach to runway 18C, also known as Zwanenburgbaan, while another aircraft just departed from runway 24 (Kaagbaan). LVNL has reported this occurrence to the Dutch Safety Board and is conducting its own investigation.

 

Incident investigation

LVNL’s primary safety task is to maintain the separation of aircraft from one another, and also from vehicles and other obstacles when on the ground. Air traffic controllers internally report any incidents falling within our area of responsibility, with the aim of learning lessons from them and so reducing the chance that similar occurrences will take place again in the future. All reported incidents are investigated by LVNL, as part of our ongoing commitment to improving safety.

 

Description

On Sunday morning 10 May 2015 an incident occurred at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. An aircraft aborted the final approach to runway 18C, also known as Zwanenburgbaan, while another aircraft just departed from runway 24 (Kaagbaan).

The crew of an aircraft type Airbus 320 (A320) approaching runway 18C performed a late go-around just prior to touchdown. The crew at Schiphol Tower registered the go-around shortly after it was initiated. At that time an aircraft type Embraer 190 (E190) commenced the take-off from runway 24. Air traffic control informed the E190 pilot concerning the go-around of the A320 and gave instructions for a left turn. Air traffic control instructed the A320 pilot to make a right turn. Both pilots correctly carried out the instructions. The E190 pilot reported to have the A320 going around in sight.

The minimum distance between the A320 and the E190 during this occurrence was 0.8 NM horizontally and 300 feet vertically.

 

Follow-up

The investigation shows that, with the current rules and practices, air traffic control has the means to ensure separation between aircraft. LVNL investigates opportunities for further safety improvement of accommodating air traffic on dependent runways.

 

Classification: major incident

 

Infographic incident during go-around at Schiphol 10 May 2015