Four investigators from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are examining circumstances surrounding the landings of a Delta Air Lines Boeing 767 on an active taxiway at Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport.
Preliminary information received by the board indicates the incident occurred in 19 October at 6:05am EDT. The aircraft - N185DN - was operating as flight 60 from Rio de Janeiro to Atlanta.
The aircraft landed on taxiway M after it was cleared to land on runway 27R. NTSB explains the taxiway is situated immediately to the north and parallel to runway 27R.
Runway lights for 27R were illuminated, but the localizer approach lights for the runway were not turned on, says NTSB. At the time of the landing taxiway M was active but clear of aircraft and ground vehicles.
Other conditions present at the time were calm winds with 10 miles of visibility, with night-dark conditions prevailing. NTSB says twilight conditions began at 7:20am EDT followed by official sunrise at 7:46am.
No injuries were reported among the 182 passengers and 11 crewmembers onboard.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
