American Airlines Airbus A321 Rejected Takeoff Due to Operational Error at Orlando on May 6th, 2024

On May 6th, 2024, an American Airlines Airbus A321-200, registration N901AA, performing flight AA-2473 from Orlando, Florida to Dallas Ft. Worth, Texas, was involved in a rejected takeoff due to an operational error at Orlando International Airport. The aircraft had been cleared for takeoff from runway 18L, but the takeoff was aborted after air traffic control (ATC) cleared another aircraft to cross the active runway. The incident resulted in a delay of approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes for the American Airlines flight.

Detailed Event Sequence:

• Initial Clearance for Takeoff: Flight AA-2473 was cleared for takeoff from Orlando’s runway 18L. The aircraft began its takeoff roll as instructed by ATC. Approximately 70 seconds after the takeoff clearance was issued, a Frontier Airlines Airbus A320-200N, registration N354FR, operating flight F9-1734 from Denver to Orlando, landed on runway 18R and began taxiing toward the apron.
• Crossing Clearance Error: While flight F9-1734 was taxiing, the tower issued a clearance for the Frontier A320 to cross runway 18L. This clearance was given while AA-2473 was already in the process of its takeoff roll on the same runway. Approximately 23 seconds after the crossing clearance was given, the tower, realising the potential conflict, instructed flight F9-1734 to “Stop!” in an attempt to prevent the runway incursion.
• Takeoff Clearance Cancellation: Approximately 35 seconds after the initial clearance for runway crossing, ATC cancelled the takeoff clearance for American Airlines flight AA-2473, which was accelerating at approximately 60 knots over the ground. The crew of the A321 initiated a rejected takeoff (RTO), following standard procedures to safely decelerate the aircraft and vacate the runway. The rejection occurred at a relatively low speed, well below the critical decision speed (V1), at which point takeoff can no longer be safely aborted.
• Post-Aborted Takeoff Actions: After rejecting the takeoff, AA-2473 vacated runway 18L and returned to the holding point. However, due to the operational error and subsequent procedures, the aircraft needed to return to the apron for further checks before attempting another departure. The aircraft was finally cleared for takeoff approximately 95 minutes after the initial attempt and departed for Dallas Ft. Worth, arriving with a delay of around 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Runway Incursion and Communication Breakdown:

The incident highlights a breakdown in coordination between air traffic control and the aircraft involved. While the American Airlines Airbus A321 had been cleared for takeoff on runway 18L, the subsequent clearance issued to the Frontier Airbus A320 to cross the same runway created a potential runway incursion scenario. This operational error necessitated the cancellation of the takeoff clearance and the subsequent rejected takeoff by AA-2473.

• Frontier Airlines Flight: Flight F9-1734, having landed on runway 18R, continued taxiing toward the apron after being instructed to stop by ATC. Despite the potential conflict, the Frontier A320 continued crossing the runway after the situation was resolved and safely reached its parking position at the terminal.

Rejected Takeoff Procedure:

The crew of the American Airlines A321 followed standard rejected takeoff procedures when the takeoff clearance was cancelled. A rejected takeoff at approximately 60 knots, well below the aircraft’s V1 speed, allows the crew to decelerate safely and vacate the runway. In such situations, the crew monitors critical parameters and performs braking actions to ensure the aircraft can safely stop on the runway.

After vacating the runway, AA-2473 was required to return to the apron for routine checks, as is customary following any rejected takeoff. These checks would have included inspection of the brakes, tyres, and engine systems to ensure the aircraft was fully serviceable before another takeoff attempt.

Operational and Safety Considerations:

• Air Traffic Control (ATC) Coordination: The incident underscores the importance of clear and coordinated communication between ATC and flight crews, particularly in high-traffic environments such as major international airports. The crossing clearance for the Frontier A320 was issued while the American Airlines A321 was already on its takeoff roll, leading to a conflict on the active runway. While ATC promptly cancelled the takeoff clearance and mitigated the situation, the error resulted in a significant delay and operational disruption.
• Crew Response: The crew of the American Airlines flight responded promptly and effectively to the cancellation of the takeoff clearance, executing the rejected takeoff safely and without incident. Their adherence to standard operating procedures ensured that the situation was managed without compromising passenger safety.

Conclusion:

The rejected takeoff of American Airlines flight AA-2473 at Orlando International Airport on May 6th, 2024, was the result of an operational error involving ATC’s clearance of another aircraft to cross an active runway. The prompt actions of both the ATC and the flight crew prevented a potential runway incursion, ensuring the safety of both aircraft involved.

Following the incident, the American Airlines Airbus A321 returned to the apron for checks before departing approximately 95 minutes after the initial takeoff attempt. The flight arrived in Dallas with a delay of about 2 hours and 40 minutes. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical need for precise communication between ATC and flight crews to avoid potential conflicts on the runway.