What happened
On 12 March 2019, an Embraer E55P Phenom, registration D-COLT, was preparing for departure from Manchester Airport. While lining up on Runway 23R via intersection J1, the pilot was managing a rolling takeoff following an instruction from Air Traffic Control (ATC) to accommodate inbound traffic. During the lining-up process, heavy rain and gusty conditions were present. The sun breaking through the clouds created a significant glare on the wet runway surface.
As the aircraft moved into position, the pilot misidentified the runway edge stripe as the centerline. This error was compounded by the pilot's perception of the runway lights and the specific geometry of the intersection. As the aircraft began its takeoff roll, the Air Traffic Controller (ATCO) observed the misalignment via the surface movement radar (SMR). Fearing potential debris from the lower-strength runway shoulder, the ATCO instructed the pilot to stop the takeoff. The pilot promptly rejected the takeoff at an airspeed of approximately 80-90 KIAS, bringing the aircraft to a halt without any injuries or damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined the physical characteristics of the intersection, the environmental conditions, and the cockpit procedures. The investigation noted that the pilot, who was operating the aircraft solo, was accustomed to much narrower runways and found the wide, paved shoulders of Manchester's Runway 23R to be deceptive. The investigation also reviewed a previous, similar incident involving a different aircraft at the same intersection.
Investigators looked into the visual challenges presented by the runway's convex profile and the lighting configuration. At the time of the event, the runway edge lights were active, but the lead-on lights were not. The investigation also considered the impact of the 'rolling takeoff' instruction, which reduced the time available for the pilot to verify the aircraft's alignment on the centerline.
Findings
- The pilot misidentified the runway edge stripe as the centerline due to sun glare on the wet runway and the complex visual layout of the intersection.
- The use of a rolling takeoff limited the pilot's opportunity to perform a thorough position check.
- The wide, paved shoulders of the runway and the specific lighting configuration at intersection J1 contributed to the pilot's disorientation.
- The ATCO's prompt use of surface movement radar was critical in identifying the misalignment and preventing a potential excursion.