ORD Controllers reported an air carrier aircraft initiated a wrong turn resulting in controllers taking expedited measures to maintain separation with two other departing aircraft. Controller stated that this is an extremely unsafe situation that has become a chronic problem.
Synopsis
ORD Controllers reported an air carrier aircraft initiated a wrong turn resulting in controllers taking expedited measures to maintain separation with two other departing aircraft. Controller stated that this is an extremely unsafe situation that has become a chronic problem.
Narrative
I was landing RWY 10C and departing RWY 10L at the end of the evening. I issued Aircraft X a takeoff clearance with a right turn heading 180. The pilot read back 'right heading 180'. The aircraft rolled; and after 6;000 feet and airborne; I rolled Aircraft Y on a 090 heading. Meanwhile; the North Local Controller (NLC) Controller rolled Aircraft Z on a left 070 heading. I was looking at the radar when the Aircraft X tag acquired; and it looked a little north of the runway centerline depicted on the radar; and continuing to turn left; despite a correct readback of a right turn. It was IFR; and the plane was in the clouds. I immediately coordinated with the NLC Controller to stop their plane at 2;500 feet (underneath the altitude Aircraft X had climbed out of at that point) and stopped my own departure at 2;500 feet as well. I corrected Aircraft X's turn with a right turn to the south; and issued traffic to Aircraft Y. There was no loss of separation; but wrong direction turns are a chronic problem here; even when the pilot gives the correct readback.I have no idea. The pilot read back correct instructions; and then did an incorrect thing.
Second reporter narrative
I was working NLC; which at the time controlled departures off of Runway 9C. I cleared Aircraft Z for takeoff; on a 070 heading assigned. The weather was IFR; with ILS critical ceilings. As Aircraft Z was rolling; I noticed Aircraft X; a southbound departure off of Runway 10L; on the radar starting what appeared to be a wrong turn to the north; moving into the departure corridor of Runway 9C. I immediately began coordination with 3LC; who controlled Runway 10L; and instructed Aircraft Z to stop their climb at a safe altitude below Aircraft X. I then turned Aircraft Z to a 360 heading; to provide more airspace for 3LC to ensure separation with successive departures. Once 3LC had Aircraft X back on course; I turned Aircraft Z back to a 070 heading on course. No loss of separation was observed between any aircraft; and the review of the tapes determined it was a pilot deviation. Aircraft Z was issued and read back a right turn heading 180; but turned left.Wrong turn departures continue to be a chronic problem at ORD. Departing parallel runways; especially in IFR weather when the aircraft cannot be visually observed in the turns; continues to introduce a very high level of risk. It is my opinion; and the opinion of many at ORD; that the only way this process will be seriously addressed is AFTER a tragic event takes place. This is not an unknown issue; it is an extremely unsafe situation that has been brought up for years; and still no changes are in the works.
NASA callback
Reporter stated there is no obvious cause for this recurring issue.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.