Pilot Lands 767 On Taxiway At Hartsfield-Jackson In Atlanta

The FAA and NTSB are investigating how a Delta Boeing 767 from Rio de Janeiro wound up landing on a taxiway, rather than on Runway 27R at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

The NTSB is reporting that, according to preliminary information received from several sources, on Monday, October 19, 2009, at 0605 EDT, a  Boeing B767-332ER (N185DN) operating as Delta Air Lines flight 60 from Rio de Janeiro to Atlanta landed on taxiway M at ATL after being cleared to land on runway 27R. No injuries to any of the 182 passengers or 11 crewmembers were reported.
 
A check airman was on the flight deck along with the captain and first officer. During cruise flight, the check airman became ill and was relocated to the cabin for the remainder of the flight. A medical emergency was declared and the company was notified by the crew. A determination was made to land at the scheduled destination of ATL. 

The flight was cleared to land on runway 27R but instead landed on taxiway M, which is situated immediately to the north and parallel to runway 27R. The runway lights for 27R were illuminated; the localizer and approach lights for 27R were not turned on. Taxiway M was active but was clear of aircraft and ground vehicles at the time the aircraft landed. The wind was calm with 10 miles visibility. Both the runway and the taxiway are 11,890 feet long, according to FAA spokesperson Kathleen Bergen.

Night/dark conditions prevailed; twilight conditions began at about 0720 EDT and the official sunrise was at 0746 EDT.

CNN is reporting that Delta says its officials are cooperating fully with the investigation. 

A team of four from the NTSB, led by David Helson, is investigating the incident.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov, www.faa.gov, www.delta.com