What happened
On the afternoon of August 14, 2002, an A319, registration I-BIMO, was cleared for takeoff from runway 28 at Lamezia Terme airport. During the takeoff roll, once the aircraft had reached a speed of approximately 40 to 50 knots, the flight crew observed a 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 aircraft departed without further incident, and the commander subsequently notified Lame and APP controllers of the vehicle's presence on the runway.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation established that the maintenance vehicle, a rental car used temporarily because the standard maintenance vehicle was undergoing repairs, was on the runway performing work on airfield lighting. While the vehicle was in radio contact with Ground (GND) control, there was a lack of communication between GND and APP controllers during the critical period leading up to the takeoff. The investigation found that the controller authorized the takeoff of flight AZA 1170 without verifying that the runway was clear of all obstructions.
Findings
- The primary cause was the authorization of takeoff by the Lamezia APP controller while a vehicle remained on the runway without proper verification of runway occupancy.
- The rental vehicle lacked the required high-visibility markings and safety equipment mandated for operations in maneuvering areas, which likely hindered early detection by the crew.
- Inadequate coordination between Ground and Approach controllers contributed to the incident.
- Low sun position on the horizon may have further complicated the crew's ability to identify the vehicle before the takeoff roll progressed.