Flight U2-8414 | Registration: G-EJCI
Date: 30 July 2023 | Location: Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (LFBO), France
Flight Details
• Aircraft Type: Airbus A320-214
• Engines: 2 × CFM International CFM56-5B4
• Operator: EasyJet UK
• Registration: G-EJCI
• Flight Number: U2-8414
• Callsign: EZY8414
• Route: Toulouse-Blagnac (LFBO), France to London Gatwick (EGKK), United Kingdom
• Date of Incident: 30 July 2023
• Total Occupants: 182 (176 passengers and 6 crew)
• Weather Conditions: Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC)
Introduction
On 30 July 2023, an EasyJet Airbus A320-200 operating flight U2-8414 from Toulouse to London Gatwick commenced takeoff from the incorrect runway intersection at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. The aircraft entered Runway 32R via taxiway N4—approximately 1,250 metres from the runway threshold—instead of the cleared taxiway N2, which provided a longer takeoff distance of 2,300 metres. The takeoff was completed with significantly reduced runway length, and the aircraft passed the end of the runway at just 180 feet above ground level.
This occurrence, classified as a serious incident, triggered a joint investigation by the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and French air navigation service provider (DSNA), the findings of which were published on 10 April 2025.
Sequence of Events
Prior to departure, the flight crew conducted takeoff performance calculations based on a departure from intersection N2, yielding a takeoff run of approximately 2,300 metres. This was correctly input into EasyJet’s FlySmart+ app, which generates performance data and aircraft configuration parameters.
During taxi, the crew received clearance from Ground to line up and take off from intersection N2. However, instead of turning at taxiway N2, the aircraft continued and entered the runway at taxiway N4, inadvertently reducing the available takeoff distance by nearly 500 metres, now departing with only around 1,800 metres of usable runway.
The tower controller did not visually monitor the aircraft’s entry point and cleared the aircraft for takeoff without verifying its intersection. The aircraft began its takeoff roll and rotated with approximately 500 metres of runway remaining. At the departure end of runway 32R, the aircraft was recorded at 180 feet AGL, well below standard climb gradients for obstacle clearance margins.
Crew & Communication
The AAIB investigation revealed that both flight crew members believed they were entering the correct intersection. This misperception was influenced by:
• Incomplete visual cues
• High workload conditions
• Confirmation bias
The clearance to take off was received as the aircraft was approaching what the crew believed to be N2. Because the call coincided with the moment they reached N4, the clearance reinforced the crew’s incorrect mental model, causing them to disregard or misinterpret signage.
ATC’s lack of visual verification further contributed to the error. One of the final defences—visual monitoring from the tower—was not engaged, allowing the misalignment to go unnoticed until after departure.
Aircraft Systems & Technical Analysis
There was no mechanical or system malfunction. The aircraft responded as expected, and takeoff performance remained within acceptable margins, though reduced runway availability inherently narrowed safety buffers.
EasyJet’s FlySmart+ application, used for performance calculations and route briefing, displayed intersection takeoff data. However, the AAIB noted that the information on the app was incomplete or poorly contextualised, possibly contributing to a misunderstanding of the runway layout.
The combination of reliance on digital representations and the complexity of the airport’s intersection layout created an environment ripe for misinterpretation, especially under high workload.
Passenger Experience & Cabin Conditions
The takeoff proceeded without incident from the passenger’s perspective. There were no reported abnormalities or warnings during the roll, rotation, or climb-out.
Given the safe arrival in London Gatwick, passengers were likely unaware of the near miss involving shortened takeoff length.
Emergency Response & Aftermath
There was no emergency declared, and no immediate response was triggered post-departure. However, the incident was flagged internally by EasyJet operations and subsequently reported to both the UK AAIB and French DGAC.
The final bulletin, published by the AAIB in April 2025, confirmed the severity of the error and classified the incident as serious, citing reduced obstacle clearance margins and potential safety compromise.
Investigation Status
The AAIB and DSNA conducted a joint investigation with contributions from EasyJet. The final report outlined the sequence of events, technical findings, and human performance analysis.
Key investigation themes included:
• Human Factors:
The crew operated in a high workload environment under operational pressure, leading to attentional tunnelling and task saturation. This caused them to rely on an inaccurate mental model of their position on the airfield.
• Confirmation Bias:
The takeoff clearance received near the incorrect intersection aligned with the crew’s expectations, reinforcing their false assumption and prompting action without additional verification.
• ATC Oversight:
The tower controller did not visually monitor the aircraft during its taxi or runway entry, missing the opportunity to correct the error before takeoff.
• Digital Tools & Documentation:
The FlySmart+ app’s limited depiction of taxiway-to-runway topology may have contributed to the crew’s misidentification of intersection N4 as N2.
Root Cause & Contributing Factors
Probable Root Cause:
Crew misidentification of the runway intersection due to incomplete situational awareness and reliance on an inaccurate mental model.
Contributing Factors:
• High workload and pressure to expedite departure
• Ambiguous or incomplete visual cues on airfield signage and digital displays
• Inadequate oversight from ATC
• Early takeoff clearance reinforcing existing assumptions
• Confirmation bias and cognitive narrowing under stress
Safety Recommendations & Industry Impact
The AAIB and DSNA issued several key safety considerations:
• Enhanced digital taxi charts within flight crew EFBs to provide clearer intersection orientation and runway visualisation
• ATC procedure reinforcement to require visual confirmation of aircraft position before issuing takeoff clearance
• Operator CRM training updates focusing on cognitive bias, attentional control, and verification under pressure
• Review of FlySmart+ UI/UX for completeness of taxi routing information, particularly for airports with complex layouts
This incident serves as a reminder of the cumulative effect of small systemic weaknesses that can culminate in serious safety threats—even during routine operations at familiar airports.
Conclusion
EasyJet flight U2-8414’s takeoff from the incorrect intersection at Toulouse was the result of a chain of human factors, systemic gaps, and cognitive misjudgements under operational pressure. Although no injury or damage occurred, the reduction in available runway length created a narrow safety margin.
The event underlines the critical importance of clear positional awareness, robust ATC verification, and continuous improvement of digital briefing tools in the modern cockpit environment.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information and reports at the time of writing. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information provided.
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