What does a runway incursion refer to?

A runway incursion specifically refers to an unauthorized presence on a runway or taxiway. It is a crucial safety concern in aviation, as it can lead to potential collisions between aircraft or between an aircraft and ground vehicles. This term encompasses any situation where an individual, vehicle, or aircraft enters a runway without proper authorization, posing a significant risk to ongoing flight operations.

Understanding this definition highlights the importance of strict adherence to protocols regarding runway access and communication between air traffic control and ground personnel. The focus on ensuring that only authorized entities are present on active runways is vital for maintaining safety in aviation operations.

The other choices do not accurately describe a runway incursion; accidental overlap of flight paths is more related to air traffic management in the airspace rather than on the ground, emergency landings due to technical failures pertain to situations where an aircraft needs to land unexpectedly, and routine security checks do not involve unauthorized presence but rather are scheduled operations to ensure safety compliance.