Incident Overview
On 19 July 2020, at 20:51 UTC, a Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by Ryanair, registration EI-EFJ, was involved in a runway incursion incident at Palma de Mallorca Airport. The aircraft, operating a scheduled passenger flight from Palma de Mallorca to Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport, had been cleared to take off from runway 24R. Simultaneously, a lighting vehicle operated by AENA, callsign 'Balizamiento 3', was positioned at the opposite threshold of the same runway.
Sequence of Events
Prior to the incident, the ground movement controller (GMC) at the Palma de Mallorca control tower instructed the aircraft to taxi via gate F to the holding point for runway 24R and to contact the local control frequency when ready. A staff shift change then occurred, after which the local controller (TWR) also assumed GMC duties.
Meanwhile, the driver of the Balizamiento 3 vehicle contacted the local controller, reporting his presence at holding point H5 (the holding point for runway 06L/24R), but mistakenly requested permission to occupy the south runway (06R/24L). The controller granted permission. The driver then requested that the stop bars at H5 be switched off to enter the runway. The controller instructed the driver to go over the lit stop bars.
Subsequently, the local controller cleared the Ryanair aircraft for takeoff. Hearing this clearance, the vehicle driver notified his presence and vacated the runway. The controller immediately instructed the aircraft to abort its takeoff, which it did shortly after commencing the takeoff roll. At no time was the distance between the vehicle and the aircraft less than 1.6 nautical miles. After the incident, the aircraft was cleared to take off again and completed its flight without further incident.
Damage and Injuries
No personal injuries or material damage of any kind were reported. The aircraft and vehicle remained undamaged.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the runway incursion was caused by the local controller's failure to adhere to procedures set out in the unit's Operating Manual and the provisions of Spanish Air Traffic Regulation regarding phraseology, active listening, and surveillance of the airport manoeuvring area.
Safety Recommendations
Two safety recommendations were issued: one to the air navigation service provider (ENAIRE) and one to the Spanish airport service provider (AENA).