BOSTON— The Flag carrier of the UK, British Airways (BA), had its Airbus A380 stuck at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) after the pilot took a wrong turn while taxing.
British Airways operates multiple daily flights between London Heathrow (LHR) and Boston. One of its October 18, 2024 flights was involved in this incident.
British Airways A380 Stuck at Boston
After landing, a British Airways A380 flight BA213 from London encountered navigation difficulties at Boston Logan Airport. The aircraft deviated from its assigned route, missing the intended turn onto taxiway Mike and proceeding onto a restricted construction area.
The incident occurred when the aircraft crossed the displaced threshold of runway 22R without clearance, continuing on the taxiway November until reaching an area unsuitable for A380 operations. The taxiway’s width restrictions made it incompatible with the aircraft’s specifications.
Airport authorities dispatched a tug to reverse the A380 along the taxiway, enabling the aircraft to correct its course and proceed to its designated gate. The recovery operation required precise coordination between ground control and flight crew.
The aircraft involved in the incident is Airbus A380-841 registered as G-XLED. It is an 11.2-year-old aircraft and is powered by four RR engines.
The navigation error highlights operational challenges faced by A380 pilots at less frequently served airports. Boston’s complex taxiway system and ongoing construction work contribute to heightened navigation requirements.
VAS Aviation reveals all the details through this video:
The incident emphasizes critical aspects of airport safety protocols, including position-holding procedures and clear communication between air traffic control and flight crews. This event underscores the importance of strict adherence to taxiway assignments and clearance procedures.
Transcript of ATC and Pilot Conversations
Here are the conversations between Pilots and ATC as shared by VAS Aviation with the help of LiveATC.net
ATC: speedbird one Bravo super turn left November 3 (N3), November (N) and Mike (M) Hold Short Runway One five
BA: Hold Short of 15L, Roger.
But it missed the turn onto M, crossed Runway 22R on N, and later moved to the closed taxiway.
ATC: Speedbird 1B Super, hold short of N1.
BA: Hold short of N1, Speedbird 1B Super.
ATC: Speedbird 1B Super, monitor Tower 128.8.
BA: 128.8, Speedbird 1B Super.
ATC: construction in front of you. We’re not sure how to get you back around. So just hold your position there and I’ll keep you updated.
BA: Yeah, Roger. Yeah, we’re kind of snookered here. We- not a great taxiway for us.
ATC: Exactly, so we don’t know what we are gonna do yet. Massport’s working on it. If you wanna talk to them on 131.1, that’s fine.
BA: Ok, Wilco, thank you.
ATC: Speedbird 1B Super, Tower, when able. Possible pilot deviation so I advise you contact Boston Tower. Area code 617-455-XXXX.
BA: Speedbird 1B, 617-455-XXXX.
ATC: That’s correct.
The flight was tucked at that wrong taxiway for around 45 minutes.
ATC: Port 25, you up?
P25: Tower, Port 25 is with you.
ATC: Whenever you are ready, just let me know what the plan is.
P25: We are ready to go N, push back, and cross 22R on N.
ATC: Port 25 and company, you can proceed on Runway 22R.
P25: Cleared on 22R, Port 25, Copy.
BA: Tower, hello again, Speedbird 1B Super, ready for taxi on M
ATC: Speedbird 1B Super, Boston Tower. Taxi via M, cross runway 15L, hold short of Runway 15R.
BA: Taxi on M, cross 15L, hold short 15R; Speedbird 1B Super.
Finally, the aircraft reached its gate and the passengers deboarded the A380, almost one hour later of landing at BOS.
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