Air Canada Near Miss: A Deep Dive into the Incident

On August 4, 2020, a near-miss incident occurred at Toronto Pearson International Airport involving two Air Canada aircraft. This event, which could have had catastrophic consequences, has sparked significant discussion about safety protocols and air traffic control procedures. This blog post aims to delve deeper into the incident, examining contributing factors, the role of technology, and potential lessons learned.

The Incident: A Detailed Look

The near-miss involved an Air Canada Boeing 767-300 (flight AC844) and an Air Canada Airbus A320 (flight AC1833). Both aircraft were preparing for takeoff on parallel runways. The Boeing 767 was cleared to take off from Runway 23L, while the Airbus A320 was cleared for takeoff from Runway 23R. However, due to a combination of factors, the A320 was veering towards the path of the Boeing 767. The incident occurred just moments before a potential collision, highlighting the critical nature of the situation.

Contributing Factors: Unveiling the Cause

The incident’s contributing factors are complex and interconnected. Here are some key points:

• Weather Conditions: The day was characterized by low visibility due to fog and mist. This reduced the visibility for pilots and air traffic controllers, making it more challenging to track aircraft movements.
• Aircraft Types: The Airbus A320 is a smaller aircraft with a more compact design compared to the Boeing 767. This difference in size and maneuverability played a role in the A320’s deviation from its intended path.
• Air Traffic Control Procedures: The incident also brought into question the effectiveness of the air traffic control procedures in place. The near-miss raised concerns about the potential for miscommunication or delays in communication between controllers and pilots.
• RIMCAS System: The Runway Incursion Monitoring and Collision Avoidance System (RIMCAS), a technology designed to prevent runway incursions, played a crucial role in preventing a collision. RIMCAS detected the potential collision and alerted both pilots, allowing them to take corrective action.

Lessons Learned: Moving Forward

The Air Canada near-miss incident underscores the importance of ongoing safety improvements within the aviation industry. Here are some key takeaways:

• Enhanced Weather Reporting: Improved weather reporting systems and procedures are essential for pilots and air traffic controllers to make informed decisions in challenging weather conditions.
• Technology Advancements: The role of RIMCAS in this incident highlights the critical role of technology in enhancing aviation safety. Investing in advanced systems like RIMCAS is vital for preventing future incidents.
• Pilot Training and Communication: Robust pilot training programs and clear communication protocols are essential for ensuring that pilots are prepared to handle unexpected situations and communicate effectively with air traffic control.
• Continuous Review of Procedures: Regular review and improvement of air traffic control procedures are necessary to address evolving technologies, aircraft types, and environmental factors.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call

The Air Canada near-miss incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that exist within the aviation industry. While the RIMCAS system played a vital role in preventing a collision, the incident highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and continuous improvement in aviation safety practices. By learning from this incident, the industry can work towards ensuring a safer and more secure future for all air travelers.

The incident also underscores the importance of transparency and accountability within the aviation industry. By sharing lessons learned and openly discussing safety concerns, the industry can work together to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.