Flight Crew Error Caused 2 Near Misses in 2 Weeks at Melbourne Airport

Aircrew did not properly review the warning notice issued by the airport, an investigation has found.

An illustration of the near misses that occurred after aircrew for two airlines failed to note warnings that a runway had been shortened for resurfacing. Courtesy of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau

Aircrew on two international aircraft failed to notice a warning from Melbourne airport, which led to two near misses in less than two weeks, placing hundreds of passengers at risk, according to a report from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.

Both flights overshot a runway which had been temporarily shortened to accommodate resurfacing work, and lifted off the ground just metres from airport workers and equipment.