What happened
On 28 March 2018, a Boeing 787-9, registration G-CKWC, was prepared for a commercial flight from London Gatwick Airport to Buenos Aires. Due to a NOTAM regarding the closure of the main runway, the crew prepared for departure using the standby runway, 26R. To accommodate the use of this runway, the flight load was adjusted to ensure the aircraft could depart using full engine thrust.
During the taxi phase, the aircraft proceeded via Taxiway AN. Because this taxiway aligns with the same heading as the runway, no turn was required to line up. The crew began their takeoff roll at the displaced landing threshold rather than the actual beginning of the runway. This error resulted in a reduction of the available takeoff distance by 417 m. Consequently, the aircraft's performance did not meet the required regulatory standards for either an engine failure at V1 followed by a stop, or a continued takeoff after an engine failure.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's flight data, performance calculations, and the airfield's lighting and marking configurations. It was established that the crew did not identify the white line marking the start of the runway. The investigation noted that the area before the displaced threshold lacked centerline lights and featured only red edge lights, which, combined with the bright threshold lights ahead, obscured the runway's true beginning.
Analysis of the aircraft's weight and the available distance showed that had an engine failure occurred near V1, the aircraft would have lacked sufficient distance to stop before the airfield boundary fence, or to safely clear obstacles if the takeoff had continued. The investigation also found that the crew did not recall seeing the illuminated TODA information sign.
Findings
- The takeoff roll commenced at the displaced threshold of Runway 26R instead of the runway start.
- The insufficient takeoff distance meant the aircraft failed to meet regulatory performance criteria for both an accelerate-stop and an accelerate-go scenario.
- The unusual straight-line entry via Taxiway AN contributed to the crew's failure to recognize the runway start.
- A perceived lack of lighting in the pre-threshold area, paired with the visibility of the landing threshold lights, led to the misidentification.
- At least four similar incidents involving different operators had occurred at Gatwick between September 2007 and the date of this event.