What happened
On the afternoon of August 14, 2002, an A319, registration I-BIMO, was cleared for takeoff from runway 28 at Lame andzia Terme airport. During the takeoff roll, once the aircraft had reached a speed of approximately 40 to 50 knots, the flight crew observed a maintenance vehicle, identified as 'Giallo 31', stationary on the runway centerline.
The crew elected to continue the takeoff roll, determining that this was the safest course of action. The vehicle was estimated to be approximately 600 meters from the rotation point at the time of passing. Following the successful takeoff, the commander notified Lamezia APP of the vehicle's presence on the active runway.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation established that the ground controller had authorized the takeoff of flight AZA 1170 without verifying that the runway was clear of obstructions. The investigation found that the maintenance vehicle, a rental car used as a temporary replacement for a standard maintenance vehicle, was operating on the maneuver area.
Crucially, the investigation revealed a lack of radio communication between the ground controller (GND) and the vehicle between 16:36 and the time of the incident. Furthermore, the rental vehicle lacked the required high-visibility markings and safety equipment mandated by the airport's access procedures. The low position of the sun during the takeoff roll may have also hindered the crew's ability to identify the vehicle earlier in the roll.
Findings
- The primary cause was the authorization of takeoff by the controller while a vehicle was still occupying the runway without proper verification.
- Inadequate coordination between the ground (GND) and approach (APP) controllers.
- The maintenance vehicle lacked the necessary visibility and safety equipment required for operations in maneuver areas.
- The use of a non-standard rental vehicle, which had not been verified for compliance with visibility regulations, contributed to the difficulty in spotting the obstruction.
- Environmental factors, specifically the low sun angle, may have delayed the crew's detection of the vehicle.