History of the flight
G-EZWE, an Airbus A320-214, arrived at Lisbon Airport from Manchester at 1825 hrs on 16 September 2019. After disembarkation, the crew prepared for the return flight. Both pilots performed takeoff calculations as per procedures, but inadvertently selected the full runway length instead of the intended intersection. This error was not detected during the cross-check or the pre-takeoff checklist. The aircraft pushed back at 1945 hrs and taxied to Holding Point U5 for Runway 21. At 1959 hrs, takeoff commenced using performance data calculated for the full runway length. The crew noticed the last 900 m of runway lights and realized a discrepancy. The aircraft became airborne with an estimated 110 m of runway remaining.
Recorded information
The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) was not removed as the aircraft remained powered for more than two hours, overwriting any recording. The Flight Data Recorder (FDR) was not removed; Quick-access Recorder (QAR) data was supplied. QAR data showed the takeoff roll began at 1958:19 hrs from Runway 21 entrance via Taxiway U5. After a 1,775 m ground roll, V1 of 162 kt was achieved at 1959:03 hrs with approximately 570 m runway remaining. The aircraft became airborne five seconds later, 110 m from the runway end. One second later, it reached 35 ft screen height over the paved surface. TOGA thrust was not selected. CCTV footage captured the latter part of the roll, confirming the aircraft's position near the runway end after V1.
Aircraft performance
The Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) performance application calculates takeoff parameters based on runway and intersection. For the full length of Runway 21, V1 was calculated at 162 kt. From the actual takeoff point (U5), the runway distance was 1,395 m less, yielding a V1 of 142 kt. The accelerate-stop distance (ASD) required from U5 was 2,995 m, while the available ASD was 2,410 m, indicating a potential overrun of up to 585 m. An idealized calculation using maximum deceleration of 10 m/s² from 162 kt required about 580 m to stop; the aircraft had 570 m remaining at V1. Obstructions beyond the runway posed a risk of significant damage had an overrun occurred.
Previous incidents
The operator experienced two similar incidents at Lisbon in April and May 2019. In response, the operator issued a NOTAM to clarify available takeoff points on Runway 21, provided full descriptions to crews, and began working with the EFB data supplier to change nomenclature of takeoff points. The airport operator renamed part of Taxiway S to have only one intersection on Runway 21 with the letter S.
Airfield information
Lisbon Airport has runways 03/21 and 17/35, with Runway 03/21 preferential for takeoff and landing. Runway 17/35 was closed for construction and used as a taxiway. The airport uses named 'Positions' to describe takeoff points, an uncommon practice. This information is used by commercial chart companies and performance data providers.