Toronto air traffic controller scolds pilot after runway mishap forces aborted landing

Recent audio from Toronto Pearson Airport's control tower reveals a tense moment last week when a Boeing 737 was ordered to abort its landing to avoid a potential collision with another aircraft that had unexpectedly stopped on the runway. 

WestJet flight WS2101, a daily Punta Cana to Toronto service, was on final approach to Pearson Airport on Nov. 20 when controllers instructed the crew to perform a go-around at the last minute. 

Flight data shows a NetJets Cessna Citation Sovereign was still on the runway at the time and was attempting to exit, but ultimately came to a stop. Recordings from LiveATC uploaded to YouTube capture the moment the tower urged the Citation crew to hurry up and clear the runway. 

"ExecJet 389, you need to go a lot faster than that, expedite," the controller says. Just a few seconds later, the tower directs WestJet to abandon the landing, saying, "WestJet 2101, I'm not sure why traffic has stopped. Pull up and go around." 

A go-around, while often jarring for passengers, is a standard safety procedure in aviation, often known as a missed approach or rejected landing.  

The audio then captures the controllers' frustration as the Citation remained on the runway with just moments to spare before an oncoming jet touched down. "ExecJet 389, what are you doing?! Exit the runway!"

A few moments later, the controller adds, "I'm not sure what would possess you to turn around on an active runway. We'll give you a phone number to call." 

The WestJet flight was forced to abort its landing. Photo: FlightAware.

After aborting its landing, WS2101 re-entered the air traffic pattern and finally landed without issue or any reported injuries just after 6:15 p.m. 

"Missed approach procedures are a normal and routine part of aviation operations. They are carried out whenever an approach needs to be discontinued, for example due to weather, spacing requirements, or when the aircraft ahead takes longer than expected to vacate the runway," a NAV Canada spokesperson said in a statement to blogTO. 

"Both flight crews and air traffic controllers are highly trained professionals who regularly perform and manage these procedures to maintain the highest level of safety in Canada's airspace. The aircraft subsequently circled and landed safely," they continued. 

"Any operational event that meets the reporting criteria is documented and shared with Transport Canada and, when applicable, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB). These regulators determine whether any further review or investigation is required."