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 vehicle, identified as 'Giallo 31', stationary on the center of the runway. 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 when it was cleared from the runway.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation focused on the coordination between the ground (GND) and approach (APP) controllers. The investigation established that the maintenance vehicle, a rental car used temporarily because the standard maintenance vehicle was undergoing repairs, was authorized to work on the runway lights. While the ground controller had been coordinating the vehicle's movements, there had been no radio communication between the ground controller and the vehicle in the minutes leading up to the event. Furthermore, the investigation found that the rental vehicle lacked the required high-visibility markings and safety equipment mandated for operations in maneuvering areas.
Findings
- The primary cause was the authorization of takeoff by the Lamezia APP controller while the vehicle was still occupying the runway, without verifying that all safety requirements for a takeoff clearance had been met.
- Inadequate coordination between the ground and approach controllers.
- The use of a rental vehicle that did not meet visibility and safety standards for airfield operations.
- Difficulties in spotting the vehicle due to the low position of the sun on the horizon.
- The lack of recent radio contact between the ground controller and the maintenance vehicle.