What happened
On 25 February 2026, a Boeing 757-200 operated by Cargojet, flying as CJT628, was preparing for departure from Runway 30 at the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport in Ontario. During the initial stages of the takeoff roll, three snowplows were authorized to move from their position holding short of Runway 12/30 on Taxiway Golf. The instructions directed the vehicles to proceed via Taxiway Golf and Taxiway Charlie to reach Runway 06/24, where they were to hold short of Runway 30.
As the aircraft accelerated, the air traffic controller noticed the snowplows crossing Runway 12 between Taxiways Golf and Charlie, moving into the path of the departing aircraft. The controller immediately ordered the crew of CJT628 to abort the takeoff. The flight crew responded by executing a high-speed rejected takeoff, eventually bringing the aircraft to a complete stop near Taxiway Charlie.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the movement of the ground vehicles and the sequence of communications between the air traffic controller and the aircraft. Following the incident, the snowplows were seen exiting the runway area between the taxiways. The aircraft subsequently returned to the airport apron for a mechanical inspection and was cleared to depart later without further issues.