Date: 5th December 2024
Location: Goa Manohar International Airport, India
Aircraft: Airbus A320-200N, registration VT-EXT
Operator: Air India
Flight Number: AI-2592
Route: Goa Manohar to Hyderabad, India
Occupants: Unknown
Injuries: None reported
Summary of Events
On 5th December 2024, Air India flight AI-2592, an Airbus A320-200N preparing for departure from Goa to Hyderabad, initiated takeoff from taxiway A instead of runway 28 due to a crew navigation error. The aircraft accelerated to approximately 108 knots before air traffic control (ATC) instructed the crew to abort the takeoff. The aircraft safely decelerated and taxied to the apron without incident.
The flight was subsequently cancelled, and India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the serious incident. The aircraft returned to service the following morning after remaining grounded for approximately 8.5 hours.
Aircraft Information
The Airbus A320-200N is a next-generation narrow-body aircraft designed for short to medium-haul routes. Equipped with advanced avionics, the aircraft relies on both automated systems and pilot inputs for ground and flight navigation.
Sequence of Events
1. Taxiing for Takeoff:
• The aircraft was cleared to taxi via taxiway E for an intersection departure from runway 28 at A5.
2. Navigation Error:
• The crew mistakenly turned onto taxiway A instead of aligning with runway 28.
3. Initiating Takeoff:
• The aircraft began its takeoff roll on taxiway A, accelerating to 108 knots over ground.
4. ATC Intervention:
• ATC detected the error and immediately instructed the crew to reject the takeoff.
5. Aborted Takeoff:
• The crew executed a rejected takeoff procedure, slowed to taxi speed, and turned onto runway 10 via taxiway A2.
6. Return to Apron:
• The aircraft vacated the runway via taxiway A4 and taxied back to the apron.
Initial Findings
Contributing Factors
1. Crew Error:
• A lapse in situational awareness led the crew to align with a taxiway instead of the designated runway.
2. Taxiway and Runway Layout:
• The proximity of taxiway A to the intersection departure point may have contributed to the navigation error.
3. ATC Vigilance:
• Quick action by ATC prevented a potentially hazardous situation.
Operational Outcome
• The aborted takeoff prevented any damage or injuries.
Safety Risks
1. Runway Incursion:
• A takeoff from a taxiway could result in collisions with stationary or moving aircraft, vehicles, or obstacles.
2. Structural Concerns:
• Taxiways are not designed to handle the stresses of takeoff, increasing the risk of pavement damage.
3. Crew Workload:
• Errors in navigation can escalate stress and workload during critical phases of operation.
Recommendations
1. Crew Training and Awareness:
• Emphasise taxiway and runway differentiation in recurrent training programmes.
2. Airport Signage and Markings:
• Review and enhance signage and markings at Goa Manohar International Airport to minimise navigation errors.
3. Pre-Takeoff Checklists:
• Reinforce adherence to runway verification procedures before commencing takeoff.
4. ATC Procedures:
• Continue rigorous monitoring of aircraft movements on the ground, particularly near active runways and taxiways.
Safety Lessons
This incident underscores the critical importance of situational awareness and ATC vigilance during ground operations. Enhancing training and airport infrastructure will help mitigate the risk of similar events in the future.
Disclaimer
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts available at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
