Background
The Dutch Safety Board has identified that aircraft taking off with erroneous takeoff data can create hazardous situations that may result in loss of aircraft or loss of life. Numerous safety investigation reports, including those published by the Board, have addressed this persistent and complex problem. These reports have led to recommendations for regulatory authorities, standardization bodies, the aviation industry, and airline operators to develop procedural, technical, and operational safety improvements. While ongoing developments show potential for detecting data input errors or insufficient takeoff performance, a comprehensive solution has not yet been implemented across the global air transport fleet.
The Problem
Erroneous takeoff data frequently arises from operational pressure during last-minute changes that occur while taxiing. To allow flight crews more time to independently verify and enter altered data, the Board recommends stopping the aircraft for this purpose. This stationary moment is considered a key practice against erroneous data entry and is already included in the procedures of several airlines. The investigation also found that flight crews typically adhere to a derated takeoff and do not select full thrust when they suspect the takeoff roll is not developing as expected.
Recommendations to EASA
The Dutch Safety Board recommends that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) advise operators and their flight crews to incorporate a stationary moment when calculating, checking, and entering takeoff performance data in the event of last-minute changes. This advice should be implemented as recommended practice in guidance material, Safety Information Bulletin 2016-02R1, and other safety promotion materials.
Recommendations to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
To prevent crews from taking off with incorrect takeoff data, the Board recommends that KLM implement the following measures:
- Calculate, check, and enter changed takeoff performance data only when the aircraft is stationary.
- Develop a procedure for flight crews to prepare an alternative plan in advance and encourage the use of full thrust when last-minute changes occur.
- Train flight crews to take action if they suspect the takeoff roll is not developing as expected, and include this training in the recurrent training program.