Critical Incident at Knock Airport: Pilots and ATCFaulted for Near-Miss

Air traffic controller suspended, two pilots told to improve their airmanship after close call at Knock Airport. A full report has now been filed by the Air Traffic Investigation Unit, concluding that the incident did not result in any injuries or damage to the aircraft involved. However, it highlighted a series of unfortunate events that put both pilots and passengers at risk.

Key Takeaways:

• On May 28, a Cessna 172 plane, flying from Galway to Knock for maintenance, landed over a stationary Aer Lingus Airbus, which was preparing to take off for London Gatwick.
• The incident was contrary to Air Traffic Control (ATC) procedures and deemed "not a safe manoeuvre."
• The duty air traffic controller was suspended immediately after the incident, later accepting that his clearance and terminology were "less than professional" and "unwise."
• Both pilots received criticism for showing "an unfortunate lapse of airmanship."
• The Air Traffic Investigation Unit's report emphasized that pilots bear an equal share of responsibility for aviation safety, alongside air traffic control.
• The incident involved multiple breaches of standard procedures, including a misunderstanding of air traffic control instructions.
• The Cessna 172's pilot offered to orbit the field, but the controller declined, leading to the close call.

Statistics:

• 1 air traffic controller suspended following the incident.
• 2 pilots involved in the incident received criticism for their airmanship.
• 0 injuries or damage to aircraft resulted from the incident.
• 1 stationary Aer Lingus Airbus involved in the incident.
• 1 Cessna 172 plane involved in the incident.
• The incident occurred on May 28.

Sources:

• "Pilots are criticised over Knock Airport 'near-miss'", an article without a cited publication date, likely from a news resource.
• "Air Traffic Investigation Unit" report on the incident, filename not provided.