Takeoff performance error on Airbus A319 at Lille Airport

Casualties unknown • Lille Airport, France, GB

An Airbus A319 departed from an intersection at Lille Airport using incorrect takeoff performance data, which had been calculated for a longer runway.

What happened

On 9 May 2016, an Airbus A319-111, registration G-EZFP, was prepared for a scheduled passenger flight from Lille Airport, France, to Toulouse. During the pre-flight phase, the crew used an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) to determine takeoff performance. The commander, while reviewing runway options, compared the data for '08 T5' (Intersection Tango 5) against a temporary runway option, '08 TMP'.

While the crew focused on checking obstacles and stopway requirements related to a NOTAM regarding cranes, the commander selected the performance figures for the '08 TMP' option. This selection was subsequently cross-checked by the co-pilot, and the data was entered into the flight management guidance computer. The aircraft subsequently departed from Runway 08 using Intersection Tango 5, which provided significantly less runway length than the data used for the calculation.

After becoming airborne, the crew noticed that the runway end appeared closer than anticipated. Upon reviewing the EFB during the cruise phase, the commander identified that the runway lengths used in the calculation and the actual departure runway differed.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the incident was the crew's use of incorrect takeoff performance data due to a misreading of the runway length, potentially exacerbated by fatigue, which went undetected during the flight crew's cross-check.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-05-09 Airbus A319-111 accident near Lille Airport, France, GB?

An Airbus A319 departed from an intersection at Lille Airport using incorrect takeoff performance data, which had been calculated for a longer runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-05-09 involved a Airbus A319-111, registration G-EZFP, at Lille Airport, France, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the incident was the crew's use of incorrect takeoff performance data due to a misreading of the runway length, potentially exacerbated by fatigue, which went undetected during the flight crew's cross-check.

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