Boeing 777 takeoff error leads to low-altitude runway excursion at Heathrow

Casualties unknown • London Heathrow Airport, IN

A Jet Airways Boeing 777-300 experienced a serious incident at London Heathrow after using incorrect takeoff performance calculations, resulting in the aircraft crossing the airfield boundary at a dangerously low altitude.

What happened

On August 30, 2016, a Jet Airways Boeing 777-300, registration VT-JEK, was prepared for a scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Mumbai. Due to ongoing taxiway maintenance and construction at the airport, certain taxiway entries and holding points were unavailable. Consequently, the crew was required to use an intersection departure from S4E rather than the full length of Runway 27L.

During the takeoff roll, the aircraft failed to utilize the necessary runway length. As the plane approached rotation speed, the pilot noticed the runway centerline lighting transition from white to alternating red-and-white, a signal indicating only 900 meters of runway remained. The aircraft subsequently crossed the airfield boundary at approximately 13 feet above ground level and passed over an adjacent road at just 30 feet.

Probable cause

The incident was caused by the flight crew using incorrect takeoff performance calculations, which led to an insufficient takeoff distance for the chosen intersection departure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-08-30 Jet Airways accident near London Heathrow Airport, IN?

A Jet Airways Boeing 777-300 experienced a serious incident at London Heathrow after using incorrect takeoff performance calculations, resulting in the aircraft crossing the airfield boundary at a dangerously low altitude.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-08-30 involved a Jet Airways, registration VT-JEK, at London Heathrow Airport, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The incident was caused by the flight crew using incorrect takeoff performance calculations, which led to an insufficient takeoff distance for the chosen intersection departure.

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