What happened
During a period of heavy fog, an airport maintenance crew consisting of four individuals was authorized to access runway 08R to service the runway lighting system. The team utilized two vehicles, including a Kia minivan, to perform the work. At approximately 11:04, both vehicles exited the runway to allow for arriving aircraft. Following a brief period, the crew received clearance to re-enter the runway at 1el1:06.
At 11:25:13, flight ROT3107, a Boeing 737-300, was cleared to enter the runway for departure, receiving takeoff clearance at 11:26:07. Between 11:26:40 and 11:26:50, air traffic controllers attempted to contact the maintenance workers to confirm the runway was clear, but the communications went unanswered.
As the aircraft accelerated during its takeoff roll, it reached a speed of 90 knots before the left engine and left main landing gear struck a parked Kia minivan located roughly 600 meters from the runway threshold. The impact completely destroyed the van. Following the collision, the aircraft drifted left of the runway centerline, eventually coming to a stop 137 meters from the centerline and 950 meters from the threshold. All 123 occupants of the aircraft evacuated the plane without injury, and the ground personnel were unharmed.
Findings
- The collision occurred while the maintenance vehicle was positioned on the active runway.
- The maintenance crew failed to respond to radio inquiries from the control tower regarding runway occupancy.
- Reduced visibility caused by thick fog was present during the incident.