Air carrier flight crew reported during takeoff rotation; they saw a business jet crossing the end of the runway. Flight crew decided to not perform a high speed reject and continued takeoff; climbing out over the aircraft.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported during takeoff rotation; they saw a business jet crossing the end of the runway. Flight crew decided to not perform a high speed reject and continued takeoff; climbing out over the aircraft.
Narrative
I was CA and Pilot Monitoring of Aircraft X [from] ZZZ-ZZZ1. We were cleared for take-off on Runway XXR; and as we reached V1; I noticed a GA aircraft at the end of the runway enter and stop in the middle of our departure runway. I called 'VR;' and then; 'Positive rate;' and the FO called for gear up. I said to him Is that airplane on our runway?" but by that time; we were in a pitch up attitude; and the end of the runway was no longer in view. The ZZZ Tower had just cleared the aircraft behind us for takeoff and then immediately told them to reject their takeoff. He then told us to contact Departure and I asked if there was an aircraft that entered our departure runway and he replied; 'Yes.' After reaching a safe altitude I contacted Clearance Delivery at ZZZ and told them who we were and asked for a number to call when we arrived in ZZZ1 to exchange any information they might need and acquire the needed information for my safety report. Cause: The GA aircraft came into view at our V1 speed and did not pose an immediate action on our part because they were more than 1500 feet away. Rejecting our take off at that moment; above V1 would have been far more detrimental and potentially consequential than continuing our takeoff and our flight path clearing this GA aircraft by more than 300 ft. I have no suggestions to help mitigate risks by our crew. We were diligent and performed as trained."
Second reporter narrative
The Tower cleared us for takeoff on Runway XXR and immediately after the Captain and [I] called; Positive rate;" and I requested; "Gear up;" he noticed a general aviation business jet on our runway at the departure end. At about the same time we heard ZZZ Tower tell a previously cleared for takeoff aircraft behind us to "CANCEL their TAKEOFF CLEARANCE." The Tower then instructed us to contact Departure but before switching the Captain and Non-Flying Pilot asked if that aircraft had entered our runway and the controller answered YES. However; I did not see the aircraft because I was the Pilot Flying and concentrating on Flight Director and pitch for climb tasks. Cause: I cannot answer what factors led up to the crew of the business jet causing a runway incursion. However; the incident definitely reinforced the importance of situational awareness while taxiing and following proper standard operating procedures; such as briefing your assigned taxi instructions with a current chart; and both pilots being heads up when the aircraft is moving. I certainly appreciate the AMM (Aircraft Moving Map) feature on the EFB we use at our Company to help mitigate the potential for these mistakes."
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.