Sequence of Events
After a normal landing on the north side of Los Angeles International Airport, Cessna 310, registration N98834, taxied southward to the Delta Cargo area. While en route to the southern runways (25L and 25R), the pilot stopped short of Kilo ramp behind another aircraft (N61C) and contacted the South Ground Controller (GC-1). The pilot was instructed to hold short.
Meanwhile, Continental Flight 866, a Boeing 727 (registration N88704), advised the South Local Controller (LC-1) that it was ready for takeoff on Runway 25R. LC-1 was aware that N98834 and N61C were waiting to cross the southern runways and authorized GC-1 to clear them across Runway 25R. GC-1 issued clearance for the two aircraft to cross Runway 25R and then directed them to hold short of Runway 25L.
Approximately 32 seconds later, LC-1 cleared Flight 866 for takeoff on Runway 25R. Subsequently, LC-1 stated that he had scanned the runway and saw what he perceived as two aircraft positioned between the parallel runways, not on the active runway. However, at the time Flight 866 began its takeoff roll, N98834 was still crossing Runway 25R.
The pilot of the Cessna was focusing his attention on the aircraft ahead and did not observe Flight 866. Shortly after Flight 866 lifted off, its main landing gear struck the vertical stabilizer of the Cessna.
Additional Context
The tower cab supervisor was working at a north controller’s position while the regular north controller was on a relief break. The local controller involved (LC-1) had been involved in other operational errors on December 21, 1985, July 9, 1986, and October 28, 1986.