ADS Controller described pilot deviation event when departing traffic initiated takeoff without clearance and with traffic on short final resulting in less than required separation.
Synopsis
ADS Controller described pilot deviation event when departing traffic initiated takeoff without clearance and with traffic on short final resulting in less than required separation.
Narrative
I was working Local Control. It was after sunset. Aircraft X called ready for departure on Taxiway A holding short of Runway 33. Aircraft Y was just touching down. I cleared Aircraft Z; about 5 miles southeast of the field inbound; to land. Multiple aircraft responded; and I could not determine who had said what. I requested that the aircraft verify that Aircraft Z was responding to my transmission. Aircraft Z read back the landing clearance again. Aircraft W; entering the right downwind; was then instructed to follow Aircraft Z 5 miles southeast of the field and advise when he had the traffic in sight. By this time I looked at Aircraft Y; who appeared to be slow enough for runway exiting instructions; which I issued at that time. Then; while scanning the runway from departure end to approach end I issued the hold short instructions to Aircraft X. During my scan and my transmission I saw the light of an aircraft rolling on the runway about 1;500 FT from the approach end of Runway 33. Aircraft X did not respond to my transmission; and I could no longer see Aircraft X holding short of the runway. I notified the other staff in the Tower; and we watched Aircraft X depart and tag up while Aircraft Y was still on the runway. I issued traffic to Aircraft X and Aircraft W who appeared to be a conflict as Aircraft X was turning right to heading 090; and Aircraft W was just east of the field in the downwind. I asked Aircraft X; a student pilot; if there was an instructor on board. He advised me that he was attempting a student solo flight. Aircraft X and Aircraft Y were on the runway at the same time; due to Aircraft X taking off without a clearance. I would estimate the distance between the aircraft somewhere between 5;000 FT and 4;500 FT. Recommendation; I think this event was caused because the student pilot had little experience. This person may have been distracted or nervous; as many people without experience seem to be; and his actions indicate that he missed some important clues. The pilot should have listened carefully to the controller's instructions; because his call sign was not mentioned in the clearance he misunderstood. Also; when I requested verification that the correct aircraft had taken the landing clearance; the pilot did not seem to hear it. Last; when Aircraft Y landed and while Aircraft X was taking off the Falcon was rolling down the runway in direct line of sight of the pilot; I think he should have taken the time to clarify what he thought he heard before taking off. I think all pilots...especially student pilots; should take the time to have the controller reissue any instructions they are not sure about; and pay close attention to what is going on around them. The few seconds it takes to do those 2 things could probably save many lives.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.