Introduction
On 16 July 2024, a SprintAir ATR 72-212A freighter, registration SP-SPF, operating flight P8-6262 from Cologne (Germany) to Basel/Mulhouse (Switzerland/France), experienced a critical takeoff misalignment.
The aircraft lined up with the left-hand runway edge line of runway 06 at Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) instead of the runway centreline before commencing takeoff. During the departure roll, the nose and left main landing gear struck multiple runway edge lights, causing structural damage to the landing gear and aircraft skin.
Despite the significant impact, the crew continued the takeoff, corrected the misalignment after becoming airborne, and proceeded to Basel, where the aircraft landed safely 65 minutes later.
A post-flight inspection revealed damage to the aircraft and confirmed multiple runway lighting fixtures had been struck. Poland’s PKBWL classified the incident as serious, while Germany’s BFU (Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation) launched an investigation.
The aircraft was later ferried to Warsaw on 25 July 2024 but has remained grounded since.
Flight & Incident Overview
• Aircraft: ATR 72-212A (Freighter)
• Operator: SprintAir
• Flight Number: P8-6262
• Route: Cologne (CGN) → Basel/Mulhouse (BSL)
• Date: 16 July 2024
• Occupants: Crew only (cargo flight)
• Injury Report: No injuries
• Aircraft Damage: Landing gear impact damage, structural skin damage
• Investigation: PKBWL (Poland) and BFU (Germany)
Sequence of Events
Taxi & Runway Line-Up
• The aircraft taxied to runway 06 for departure from Cologne Bonn Airport.
• Instead of aligning with the runway centreline, the aircraft lined up on the left-hand edge line.
• ADS-B data confirm the aircraft remained misaligned during the entire takeoff roll.
Takeoff & Impact with Runway Edge Lights
• The crew applied takeoff power and initiated the roll while still positioned on the left edge line.
• During acceleration, the aircraft’s nose and left main landing gear collided with five runway lighting fixtures, each 36 cm tall.
• The impact damaged the landing gear, runway edge lights, and aircraft skin.
Airborne Correction & Flight to Basel
• The aircraft became airborne, at which point it corrected its alignment to the centreline.
• The crew continued the flight to Basel, unaware of the full extent of the damage.
• The aircraft landed safely in Basel 65 minutes later.
Post-Flight Inspection & Investigation
• Upon arrival, damage to the landing gear and fuselage was discovered.
• Poland’s PKBWL classified the incident as serious, noting the loss of directional control during takeoff.
• Germany’s BFU launched an investigation, confirming that the aircraft’s nose gear had struck five runway lighting fixtures.
• The aircraft was ferried to Warsaw on 25 July 2024 but has not flown since (as of 14 March 2025).
Investigation & Preliminary Findings
Misaligned Takeoff Roll
• ADS-B data confirmed the aircraft lined up on the left-hand edge line instead of the centreline.
• The crew failed to correct the alignment before initiating takeoff.
• No reports suggest ATC intervention or warnings during the lineup phase.
Runway Light Collision
• The nose and left main landing gear struck five above-floor lighting fixtures.
• The impact damaged the aircraft’s structural integrity and may have posed a risk of gear collapse.
Crew Decision to Continue Flight
• The crew did not abort takeoff, despite the potentially severe impact.
• It remains unclear if the cockpit instruments indicated any anomalies before reaching Basel.
Aircraft Grounding & Further Analysis
• The aircraft has remained out of service since 25 July 2024.
• The BFU’s ongoing investigation is examining factors including crew actions, runway visibility, and aircraft systems.
Potential Causes & Contributing Factors
1. Crew Misalignment During Line-Up
• Failure to visually confirm runway alignment before takeoff likely contributed to the incident.
• Possible factors: low visibility, poor situational awareness, or misinterpretation of markings.
2. Lack of Immediate Crew Response
• The decision to continue takeoff despite hitting runway lights suggests either:
• The crew did not perceive the impact as critical, or
• They felt aborting takeoff would pose a greater risk.
3. ATC & Ground Operations Considerations
• No available reports indicate that ATC intervened or questioned the aircraft’s position.
• Runway surface lighting and markings may require review to prevent misalignment occurrences.
Safety Recommendations & Preventative Measures
1. Crew Training & Awareness
• Enhanced training for runway alignment verification before takeoff.
• Review of misalignment risks in low-visibility conditions.
2. ATC & Ground Procedures Review
• Consideration of additional ATC monitoring for misalignment during line-up.
• Improved runway marking visibility and lighting to prevent future incidents.
3. Aircraft Damage Assessment & Structural Integrity Checks
• Comprehensive inspections for aircraft sustaining gear impacts during takeoff.
• Review of ATR 72 landing gear structural resilience to impacts.
Conclusion
The misaligned takeoff of SprintAir Flight P8-6262 from Cologne resulted in direct impact with multiple runway edge lights, causing structural damage.
The crew continued the flight to Basel despite the impact, and the full extent of the damage was only discovered upon landing.
The incident highlights risks associated with takeoff misalignment, crew situational awareness, and runway infrastructure safety.
The BFU’s ongoing investigation will provide further insights into procedural improvements for runway operations and pilot alignment training.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on available information as of 14 March 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.”
