What happened
The incident occurred during a night flight operation involving a Far 135 air taxi service carrying passengers. The pilot was conducting a takeoff roll from an unlit runway when he became distracted by the illumination of an engine overboost warning light. Upon investigation, it was determined that the pilot's attention was actually diverted because he was attempting to avoid colliding with another airplane positioned at the opposite end of the runway. This other aircraft was being utilized by its crew for directional guidance purposes during their own operations.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's actions and the environmental conditions present during the takeoff. Key findings included the lack of runway lighting, which contributed to the visual complexity of the scene. The presence of another aircraft at the far end of the runway created a potential conflict that required immediate attention from the pilot initiating the takeoff. The illumination of the engine overboost light further compounded the distraction, drawing focus away from the primary task of monitoring the takeoff roll.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to this incident was the pilot's divided attention. The combination of a dark, unlit environment and multiple visual stimuli—the other aircraft and the warning light—led to a lapse in situational awareness. The use of another aircraft for directional guidance on an active runway introduces significant risk, particularly during night operations where visibility is limited. The engine overboost warning, while potentially indicating a mechanical issue, served as an additional distraction rather than the root cause of the near-miss situation.
Safety message
Pilots operating at night on unlit runways must maintain strict focus on the takeoff roll and be aware of other aircraft activity in the vicinity. The use of another aircraft for directional guidance should be avoided if possible, or clearly communicated to all parties involved to prevent confusion and potential conflicts. Additionally, pilots should be cautious of warning lights that may distract from critical flight tasks during high-workload phases such as takeoff.