Taiwan's civil aeronautics administration has suspended an air traffic controller from duties at Kaohsiung airport after an incident in which the runway lights were not turned on during a Japan Airlines Boeing 767's landing.
On 6 March, the aircraft, en route from Tokyo's Narita airport, was preparing to land after receiving the go-ahead from Kaohsiung's control tower at 22:07. However, the runway lights were not switched, says the CAA.
Two air traffic controllers were on duty, but one had left his seat temporarily and the other became distracted while attending to a telephone call, it adds.
As a result, the aircraft's pilot had to execute a go-around. At that point, its position was 1nm (1.85km) from the runway, says the CAA.
The air traffic controller switched on the runway lights after he finished the telephone call. The JAL aircraft landed safely on its second attempt at 22.27, says the CAA.
The CAA has begun an investigation into the incident and may take disciplinary action.
Source: Flight International
