Student Pilot Takes Off Without Clearance at Cork Airport

Casualties unknown • IE

A solo student pilot operating a Cessna 172 departed Runway 25 without ATC authorization during simultaneous runway operations at Cork Airport.

What happened

On 23 May 2017, two training aircraft were operating at Cork Airport. The first, a Cessna 172N with registration EI-CUJ, was being operated by a solo student pilot. Due to crosswind limitations, the student had requested departure from Runway 25. While the student was taxiing to backtrack on this runway, a second aircraft, a Cessna 172R registered as G-GFSA, was cleared for takeoff from Runway 35.

During the sequence, the student pilot of EI-CUJ transmitted that they were ready for departure, to which the Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO) replied "Roger." The student then asked for confirmation of their readiness, and the ATCO again replied "Roger." Misinterpreting this second "Roger" as an authorization to proceed, the student commenced the takeoff roll. The ATCO, who was focused on the departure of G-GFSA, issued the formal takeoff clearance for EI-CUJ only after the aircraft had already become airborne. The instructor on board G-GFSA observed the unauthorized departure but noted there was no immediate risk of collision.

The investigation

The AAIU investigation examined the radio communications, the training background of the student, and the air traffic control procedures in place at the time. The investigation reviewed the student's proficiency in radiotelephony and the flight school's pre-solo briefing processes. The ATCO's actions were also scrutinized, specifically regarding the instructions provided during the taxi phase and the management of simultaneous runway operations.

Findings

  • The student pilot interpreted the ATCO's use of the word "Roger" as an authorization to take off, rather than a mere acknowledgment of the transmission.
  • The student did not maintain an effective listening watch on the frequency, which prevented them from hearing the takeoff clearance of the other aircraft.
  • The student failed to seek explicit clarification when the radio exchange became ambiguous.
  • The ATCO did not instruct the aircraft on Runway 25 to hold its position, which would have served as a critical safeguard.
  • There was no actual risk of collision because the takeoff roll of EI-CAJ began approximately 34 seconds after the departure of G-GFSA.

Probable cause

The primary cause was a takeoff without clearance during simultaneous runway operations, driven by the student pilot's misinterpretation of radio acknowledgments and a lack of a specific 'hold position' instruction from ATC.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the null aircraft accident near IE?

A solo student pilot operating a Cessna 172 departed Runway 25 without ATC authorization during simultaneous runway operations at Cork Airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on null involved a aircraft, registration EI-CUJ, at IE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause was a takeoff without clearance during simultaneous runway operations, driven by the student pilot's misinterpretation of radio acknowledgments and a lack of a specific 'hold position' instruction from ATC.

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