What happened
On August 6, 2002, an Airbus A300 (registration I-BIKG) operated by Eurofly was performing a takeoff roll from runway 07 at Treviso S.Angelo Airport. The aircraft, carrying 159 passengers and 6 crew members, was on a charter flight to Fuerteventura via Malaga. Due to the aircraft's high takeoff weight and wet runway conditions, the pilot had decided to utilize the full available runway length.
While maneuvering to align with the runway, the pilot positioned the aircraft beyond the threshold of runway 07, utilizing part of the stopway (SWY) for runway 25. As the pilot applied takeoff power, the high-velocity exhaust from the engines entered fissures in the pavement. This pressure caused a large section of asphalt, approximately 10 by 10 meters, to break away from the surface. Fragments of the pavement, including a piece measuring roughly 4 by 4 meters, were propelled into the air and struck the aircraft's left stabilizer, causing heavy damage. The pilot immediately aborted the takeoff and returned to the parking stand.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation focused on why the aircraft was positioned on the stopway and why the pavement failed under engine thrust. Investigators examined the aircraft's positioning, noting that the pilot had manually performed the turn-around maneuver. The investigation also reviewed the airport's aeronautical information, including the AIP Italia and Jeppesen charts, as well as the physical condition of the runway markings and the stopway structure.
Findings
- The pilot's positioning on the stopway was influenced by incorrectly placed horizontal markings; a white arrow, which should have been within the runway 07 limits, extended into the runway 25 stopway.
- Reduced visibility due to heavy rain made it difficult for the pilot to accurately identify the true threshold of runway 07.
- Discrepancies existed between various navigational documents: the AIP Italia lacked information regarding the specific turnaround area, while the Jeppesen chart showed a slightly different runway end position.
- The structural integrity of the stopway was insufficient, as the asphalt was prone to breaking away from the concrete light bases under the force of the engine blast.
Safety action
- The ANSV recommended that ENAV SpA verify that all documentation within the AIP Italia regarding airports is consistent with the actual physical state of the aerodromes.