Overview
• Operators: American Airlines, Air Canada Rouge
• Aircraft Models:
• Boeing 737-800 (N976NN) – Flight AA-2172 (Charlotte to Sarasota)
• Airbus A321-200 (C-FJQH) – Flight AC-1633 (Sarasota to Toronto)
• Date: 16 February 2023
• Location: Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), Florida
• Occupants:
• AA-2172: 172 passengers, 6 crew
• AC-1633: 188 passengers, 6 crew
• Casualties: None reported
• Nature of Incident: Loss of separation on runway 14 due to an ATC misjudgment, leading to a pilot-initiated go-around
Incident Summary
An American Airlines Boeing 737-800 (AA-2172) was on a visual approach to runway 14 at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) and had been cleared to land.
Approximately three minutes later, an Air Canada Rouge Airbus A321 (AC-1633) requested departure clearance for runway 14. The local controller (LC) cleared AC-1633 for takeoff, but due to radio interference (stepped transmission), the takeoff clearance was not immediately acknowledged by the Air Canada crew.
After a 30-second delay, the Air Canada crew reconfirmed the clearance and proceeded with takeoff.
With the American Airlines aircraft already on short final, the crew observed AC-1633 entering the runway and initiated a go-around from approximately 150 feet AGL, 0.3 nautical miles before the displaced threshold. The aircraft climbed to 3,000 feet, repositioned for another approach, and landed safely eight minutes later.
The Air Canada Airbus continued its takeoff, climbed out normally, and proceeded to Toronto without further incident.
The NTSB later confirmed that the minimum separation between the two aircraft was 0 feet vertically and 0.6 nautical miles horizontally, with both aircraft occupying the same altitude over the runway 14 threshold.
Sequence of Events
Pre-incident Conditions:
• AA-2172 was on a 10-mile final approach when communication with Sarasota Tower was established.
• The local controller (LC) cleared AA-2172 to land on runway 14.
• The weather was clear, with light winds from 210° at 5 knots and good visibility.
Takeoff Clearance & Miscommunication:
• With AA-2172 on a 3.12-mile final, ATC asked AC-1633 if they were ready for departure. The Air Canada crew confirmed readiness.
• ATC cleared AC-1633 for takeoff and advised them to fly the runway heading, also issuing a traffic advisory about AA-2172 on final.
• Due to radio interference, part of the takeoff clearance was lost in transmission.
• The Air Canada crew reconfirmed clearance approximately 30 seconds later and commenced takeoff.
• When AA-2172 was at 1.53 miles final, AC-1633 queried ATC about their departure heading, which delayed their acceleration.
Loss of Separation & Go-around Decision:
• With AC-1633 still rolling for takeoff, AA-2172 descended through 150 feet AGL and was about 0.3 nautical miles from the runway threshold.
• Observing the developing conflict, the American Airlines crew initiated a go-around before touchdown.
• The aircraft climbed out, turned right onto a 270-degree heading, and contacted Tampa Departure for resequencing.
Aftermath & ATC Response:
• The Air Canada flight continued to Toronto without further incident.
• The American flight landed safely after an 8-minute delay.
• The local controller was unaware of the conflict until the American crew reported the go-around.
Investigation & Findings
NTSB Preliminary Report (March 16, 2023):
• The minimum recorded separation was 0 feet vertically and 0.6 nautical miles horizontally.
• AC-1633 was departing at 100 feet AGL, while AA-2172 was crossing the runway 14 threshold at the same altitude.
• ATC issued both clearances separately but did not monitor their execution adequately.
Final NTSB Report (February 26, 2025):
Probable Cause:
• Failure of the local controller to prioritize and monitor runway activity, leading to an assumption that AC-1633 would depart before AA-2172 arrived, ultimately resulting in a loss of separation.
Contributing Factors:
1. Stepped transmission (radio interference) delayed AC-1633’s confirmation of takeoff clearance, leading to a later-than-expected departure roll.
2. Misjudgment by the ATC controller, who failed to reassess separation once AC-1633’s takeoff was delayed.
3. Lack of real-time conflict awareness, with ATC not actively monitoring both aircraft until the American crew reported the go-around.
Analysis & Safety Recommendations
• Enhanced runway monitoring procedures should be implemented at airports with single-runway operations to prevent similar conflicts.
• ATC should verify aircraft position before issuing takeoff clearance, especially when another aircraft is already cleared to land.
• Pilots should be trained to recognize stepped transmissions, ensuring clear confirmation of takeoff clearance before moving onto the runway.
• Runway incursion warning systems (e.g., Runway Status Lights or ASDE-X surveillance systems) should be utilized at Sarasota to provide real-time alerts in similar situations.
• ATC personnel should receive refresher training on managing high-density traffic at non-towered airports with limited radar coverage.
Weather Conditions at the Time (METAR Reports for KSRQ)
• Wind: 210° at 5 knots
• Visibility: 10 statute miles
• Cloud cover: Clear
• Temperature: 23°C (73°F)
• Altimeter: 30.08 inHg
Disclaimer
“This report is based on available information as of 26 February 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.”
