What must all runway incursion incidents be categorized by the FAA?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) categorizes all runway incursion incidents primarily by severity and cause to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the nature and impact of these incidents. By classifying them based on severity, aviation authorities can prioritize responses and preventive measures for more serious incursions, which could potentially lead to accidents. Additionally, understanding the cause helps in identifying systemic issues or recurring patterns that may need addressing through improved training, procedures, or technology.

In contrast, while time and date, type of aircraft involved, and location of the incident can provide relevant context, they do not capture the critical aspects of risk and causation that are essential for developing effective safety strategies. Focusing on severity and cause facilitates a more proactive approach to enhancing aviation safety by allowing the FAA to allocate resources effectively and implement targeted interventions.