Date: 201508
Local time of day: 0601-1200
Location: ZZZ.Tower, US
Light: Dawn
Aircraft: Small Transport
Operating under: Part 91
Flight plan: IFR
Flight phase: Final Approach; Landing
Airspace: Class D ZZZ
ATC / advisory: Tower ZZZ
Reporter organization: Government
Reporter function: Supervisor / CIC
Reporter qualification: Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Human factors: Time Pressure; Situational Awareness; Confusion; Communication Breakdown
Second reporter function: Ground
Anomaly: ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Incursion Runway
Detector: Person Air Traffic Control
When detected: In-flight
Contributing factors: Procedure; Human Factors
Primary problem: Procedure

Narrative: I was working the CIC position during this event.  The supervisor was working the Local Control (LC1) position. Aircraft X was inbound on final for Runway ZZ.  The pilot requested runway 25L and the supervisor approved it.  Runway 25L was closed at the time and wasn't scheduled to open until a [few minutes later].  The runway closure is routine; as Runway 25L is always closed [during a certain timeframe] every day for noise abatement.  The Ground Controller (GC1) advised the supervisor (LC1) not to land on 25L and to switch the aircraft to Runway ZZ.  The Clearance Delivery (CD) controller and myself reminded him it doesn't open until [later]. The supervisor questioned that we didn't think the aircraft would make it by [opening]. I responded that the aircraft wouldn't make it; and it would be probably before [opening] if allowed to land. The supervisor continued with the operation and I counted down aloud: 3; 2; 1 as the aircraft landed I said 'deal'.  The aircraft landed on Runway 25L [4 minutes prior to the opening].  I recorded the fact that the supervisor was told not to land on a closed runway; but still insisted; on the CIC position briefing line. The only recommendation I have is that we need to follow the rules that are in place.  If we follow the rules; then we wouldn't have to deal with unsafe operations as this one.


Second narrative: I was working Ground Control when I observed an aircraft on an approach for runway ZZ circling to land runway 25L.  The supervisor on duty was working Local control for proficiency time.  I informed him that runway 25L was closed and that he needed to change the aircraft back to his designated approach runway which was runway ZZ.  Once everyone in the tower cab observed what was happening; they also advised him to change the aircraft back to the assigned runway.  There was plenty of time for the aircraft to turn back to final for the original runway; but the supervisor refused to change the aircraft and intentionally landed the aircraft on a closed runway.  I was in total shock of his actions.  The supervisor refused any input or control instructions from the surrounding positions and put the aircraft in immediate danger; as there could be personnel and equipment on the runway prior to it being open.  This was the weirdest action by a controller I have ever observed in my career.When people advise you that a runway is closed; and you knowingly intentionally land an aircraft on a closed runway there is a problem.  This is a very dangerous action.  Regardless of your position; you should listen; do what is right and not put aircraft in danger.


Synopsis: Three Tower Controllers report that a Front Line Manager (FLM) had an aircraft land on a closed runway. The FLM also reported that he did land the aircraft on what the Controllers thought was a closed runway; but it was closed due to noise abatement and this aircraft did not have a noise abatement issue; so landing on this runway according to the FLM was not an issue. Controllers thought otherwise and tried to stop the FLM from landing on the runway he chose.