Witnesses to the recent Black Cat cruise boat accident after it grounded just outside the Akaroa Heads are urged to submit a statement to TAIC immediately.
News: Runway incursion, Cessna 172R, Hamilton, 8 November 2025
A runway incursion incident at Hamilton Aerodrome involving an Airbus A320 aeroplane registration VH-A5E operating as JQ166 operated by Jetstar Airways and a Cessna 172 registration ZK-TAP operated by Ardmore Flying School.
Cessna 172 aircraft ZK-TAP, operated by Ardmore Flying School, parked on an airfield. Credit: Richard Currie
The Commission is investigating a runway incursion incident at Hamilton Aerodrome involving an Airbus A320 aeroplane registration VH-A5E operating as JQ166 operated by Jetstar Airways and a Cessna 172 registration ZK-TAP operated by Ardmore Flying School. The reported circumstances were that the A320 was on the ground, backtracking* along the aerodrome’s main runway 18L ahead of departing for Sydney. The Cessna was airborne, approaching to land; on the same runway.
* Backtracking refers to the procedure where an aircraft taxies along an active runway in the direction opposite to that being used for takeoff or landing.
