Occurrence
On 18 September 2018, at 1225 UTC, Air Arabia flight ABY111, an Airbus A320-214 registered A6-ANV, departed the gate at Sharjah International Airport for a scheduled passenger flight to Salalah International Airport. The aircraft carried 48 persons: two flight crew, four cabin crew, and 42 passengers.
Flight Crew
The copilot, under training, was the pilot flying and occupied the right seat. The commander, a training captain, occupied the left seat. The commander had briefed that a rolling takeoff would be conducted. The commander was responsible for engine start. The copilot taxied the aircraft while the commander handled radio communications.
Sequence of Events
Tower air traffic control cleared the flight for an intersection takeoff from taxiway Bravo 14 for runway 30. This clearance required a left turn to align with the correct runway. The flight crew completed the before-takeoff checklist items "below the line."
Instead of steering left following runway 30 lead-on lines from the Bravo 14 intersection, the copilot steered the aircraft right, toward runway 12. When the thrust levers were moved to the FLX/MCT detent, the copilot called out that the runway mode (RWY) was not showing on the flight mode annunciation (FMA). As the aircraft accelerated through 57 knots, the commander realized the aircraft was on the wrong runway and immediately took over control. He decided to continue the takeoff based on his perception that there was insufficient available runway for a rejected takeoff. He advanced the thrust levers to the TOGA detent and, nine seconds later, changed the flap setting from 1+F to flap 2. The aircraft lifted off 20 to 40 meters beyond the end of runway 12. During liftoff, the No. 3 main wheel tire struck an approach light, resulting in cuts.
Air Traffic Control
The tower controller did not detect that the aircraft had turned onto runway 12 and only noticed when the aircraft was about eight seconds before liftoff.
Aftermath
Following takeoff, the commander handed control back to the copilot. The flight continued uneventfully to Salalah International Airport. No injuries to passengers or crew were reported. The aircraft sustained minor damage: cuts to the No. 3 main wheel tire.
Investigation
The Air Accident Investigation Sector of the United Arab Emirates classified the occurrence as a serious incident. The investigation examined flight operations, aircraft systems, human factors, and air navigation. Safety recommendations were addressed to the operator and the air navigation service provider, who developed risk mitigation actions.