Thursday, January 30, 2025
HomeAircraft IncidentsDelta Airlines B737-900 Rejected Takeoff on ATC Instruction

Delta Airlines B737-900 Rejected Takeoff on ATC Instruction

Overview

On February 8, 2024, a Delta Airlines Boeing 737-900 (registration N900DU) performing flight DL-1965 from Nassau (Bahamas) to Atlanta, Georgia (USA) with 128 passengers and 6 crew, rejected takeoff from Nassau’s runway 14 following an instruction from air traffic control (ATC) to abort the takeoff. The incident was caused by the deterioration of separation minima within the Nassau Control Zone during simultaneous runway operations.

Key Findings from the Final Report by Bahama’s AAIA

The AAIA concluded that the probable cause of the incident was the erosion of separation minima within the 5-nautical-mile radius core of Nassau Control Zone. This led ATC to issue a “cancel takeoff” instruction to ensure safety.

Contributing Factors

1. Inefficient Intra-Facility Coordination

• A lack of effective communication and coordination between controllers handling simultaneous operations on intersecting runways.

2. Inefficient Supervision

• Overwhelming of the aerodrome controller due to the complex nature of simultaneous departures and arrivals on intersecting runways.

Sequence of Events

1. Timeline of Operations

• 1:27 PM Local Time (1827 UTC): A Beechcraft King Air 200 (TJJ800) departed from runway 14.

• 1:29 PM Local Time (1829 UTC): A Cessna Citation 680A (N926QS) on final for runway 10 executed a go-around after being unable to comply with a LAHSO instruction.

• 1:30 PM Local Time (1830 UTC): An Embraer E110 (PNP978) departed from runway 14.

• 1:31 PM Local Time (1831 UTC): A Bombardier CRJ-200 (C-GDTD, FEX850) on approach to runway 10 executed a go-around due to the absence of a landing clearance.

2. Delta Flight DL-1965 Takeoff Abort

• N900DU was cleared for takeoff from runway 14 as a Beechcraft King Air 200 (N712CY) was on short final to the same runway, about 3 nautical miles from touchdown.

• ATC issued a “cancel takeoff” instruction to N900DU to maintain separation, prompting the flight crew to reject the takeoff.

Safety Concerns

1. Overlapping Operations on Intersecting Runways

• Simultaneous landings and takeoffs on intersecting runways without proper sequencing overwhelmed the aerodrome controller.

2. Lack of LAHSO Compliance

• The inability of an inbound aircraft (Cessna Citation) to comply with a “land and hold short” instruction exacerbated the operational complexity.

3. Missed Landing Clearances

• Two consecutive missed approaches on runway 10 due to delayed clearances further strained ATC resources.

Recommendations

1. Enhanced ATC Training

• Controllers should be trained to handle simultaneous operations on intersecting runways under complex scenarios.

2. Improved Coordination Protocols

• Establish clear protocols for intra-facility coordination to avoid operational conflicts.

3. Traffic Flow Management

• Limit simultaneous operations on intersecting runways during peak periods or when conditions are complex.

4. Technology Upgrades

• Implement automated runway conflict alert systems to support controllers in identifying potential hazards.

Conclusion

The quick decision by ATC to issue a “cancel takeoff” instruction and the flight crew’s compliance with the directive prevented a potentially hazardous situation. However, the incident highlights the need for improved coordination, supervision, and operational procedures at Nassau International Airport to ensure safe and efficient operations.

Disclaimer

This report is based on information available as of January 13, 2025. Updates may follow as additional details emerge. If you are the rightful owner of any associated media and wish for it to be removed, please contact takedown@cockpitking.com.

RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular