Summary
On 27 April 2021 at 20:48 UTC, a serious incident occurred at Porto Airport, Portugal, involving a Boeing 737-476 (SF) cargo aircraft, registration OE-IAJ, operated by ASL Airlines Belgium. The aircraft commenced its takeoff while a Follow-Me vehicle was present on the runway. The incident was investigated by the Portuguese Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Accidents in Civil Aviation and Rail (GPIAAF).
Aircraft and Operator
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737-476 (SF), a freighter variant, registered as OE-IAJ. It was operated by ASL Airlines Belgium, a cargo airline based in Belgium. The aircraft was configured for cargo operations.
Event Description
According to the official investigation report, the incident took place on 27 April 2021 at 20:48 UTC. The aircraft began its takeoff roll from Porto Airport while a Follow-Me vehicle was still on the runway. A Follow-Me vehicle is typically used to guide aircraft on the ground. The presence of this vehicle on an active runway during a takeoff resulted in a serious safety breach.
Investigation
The GPIAAF conducted a safety investigation into the incident. The investigation focused on the factors that led to the runway incursion involving the Follow-Me vehicle and the aircraft's takeoff. The final report was published on 29 December 2022, following consultations with involved entities including ASL Belgium, TAP Air Portugal, NAV Portugal, ANA Aeroportos de Portugal, the Portuguese National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Austrian Federal Safety Investigation Authority, and the Air Accident Investigation Unit of Belgium.
No probable cause was stated in the provided source material. The investigation aimed at preventing future occurrences and did not apportion blame or liability.