Incident Overview
On 1 June 2022 at 13:29 UTC, a Tecnam P2002 Sierra JF (registration F-HUBK) operated by the Malta School of Flying took off from Runway 05 at Luqa Airport, Malta, without receiving a take-off clearance from Air Traffic Control (ATC). The aircraft, piloted by a flight instructor and a student, had been instructed to line up and wait. At the same time, a B737-800 was on approach to land on Runway 13. ATC immediately directed the B737 to go around and attempted to stop the Tecnam, but the crew did not hear the instruction. The Tecnam continued its departure, leveling off at 300 feet until past the Runway 23 threshold before climbing. The crew subsequently apologized and returned for landing. No injuries or damage to property occurred. Weather conditions were CAVOK with wind from 140 degrees at 6 knots.
Sequence of Events
The Tecnam had taxied to holding point PAPA for Runway 05 with ATC clearance for a VFR departure via Grand Harbour not above 1500 feet. At 13:27:24, the crew reported "ready for departure," and ATC responded "line up RWY 05, intersection PAPA, and wait." The crew acknowledged. Meanwhile, the inbound B737 was cleared to land. At 13:29, without a take-off clearance, the Tecnam began its take-off roll. ATC transmitted "F-BK, hold position, hold position," but the crew later stated they did not hear this call. ATC then instructed the B737 to "go around, go around." The Tecnam crew, realizing the situation, continued the take-off and leveled at 300 feet to avoid the B737's path, climbing after passing the Runway 23 threshold.
Investigation Findings
The Bureau of Air Accident Investigation (BAAI) determined that the Tecnam's crew took off without ATC clearance, leading to a potential conflict with the landing B737. The ATC controller acted promptly but used the phraseology "hold position" instead of the more appropriate "stop immediately." Additionally, the controller did not use the full callsign for the B737 and omitted traffic information regarding the incursion.
Probable Cause
The BAAI finds that the actions of the crew of the Tecnam resulted in the aircraft taking off without receiving an ATC take-off clearance.