What happened
On October 17, 2014, at approximately 01:31 local time, an Airbus A330-243, registration EC-LNH, operated by Air Europa, was cleared for takeoff from runway 36L at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (LEMD) for a flight to Viru Viru, Bolivia.
During the takeoff roll, the flight crew noticed an unidentified light on the runway and requested information from the air traffic controller. The controller stated they were unaware of any objects on the runway. As the aircraft continued its acceleration, the crew observed a maintenance vehicle with its lights turned off positioned on the left side of the runway, approximately 1,875 meters from the threshold. The vehicle was in the process of exiting the paved surface. The aircraft completed the takeoff without further incident, and the vehicle left the runway without reporting the encounter.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation established that a driver from an auxiliary maintenance company was tasked with distributing supplies across the airport. While intending to reach a closed section of runway 36R-18L, the driver entered the active runway 36L-18R.
The investigation examined the driver's actions, noting that the driver was substituting for a colleague and was not on their regular shift. The vehicle was not equipped with a radio, transponder, or active anti-collision lights. Furthermore, the driver failed to report the incident to their employer or the airport authorities after realizing the error.
The investigation also reviewed the performance of the air traffic controller and the airport's oversight of external contractors. It was noted that the airport's methods for monitoring external workers in the maneuvering area could be improved, and the evaluation process for issuing driving permits (PCP) lacked sufficient verification of practical airfield knowledge.