Incident Overview
A runway incursion occurred on Runway 22R involving Pan Am Flight 543, a Boeing 727 (registration N555PE), and Precision Flight 649, a Dornier Do-228 (registration N238RP). The incident resulted in no contact between the aircraft and no injuries to any occupants.
Sequence of Events
The local controller initially cleared the Boeing 727 into position and hold on Runway 22R, then cleared it for takeoff. After the 727 was cleared for departure, the controller cleared the Dornier into position and hold on the same runway. Crucially, the controller did not recognize that the Dornier was positioned at an intersection located 4,200 feet from the approach end of the runway, rather than at the runway threshold. The controller had also failed to notice the red 'T' marking on the takeoff strip, which indicated an intersection departure. Furthermore, the ground controller did not adequately coordinate with the local controller when clearing the Dornier to taxi to the intersection for an intersection departure.
The flight crew of the Pan Am 727 saw the Dornier on the runway ahead and initiated an early rotation, lifting off before reaching the Dornier's position. The 727 passed over the Dornier without any physical contact. After the event, the 727 crew returned to land to check the engines, which had been overboosted after maximum power was applied to expedite the climb and avoid the Dornier. The Dornier was taxied clear of the runway and returned to the ramp to confirm that no damage had occurred.
Probable Cause
According to the investigation report, the probable cause of the incident was the local controller's failure to realize the Dornier was at an intersection, having missed the red 'T' marking, and the ground controller's inadequate coordination with the local controller.