P180 flight crew departing Runway 33 at BTM reports critical ground conflict with Cessna single crossing on Taxiway D. Early rotation prevents a possible collision. Three aircraft were involved in this incident and all three were in communication on the CTAF.
Synopsis
P180 flight crew departing Runway 33 at BTM reports critical ground conflict with Cessna single crossing on Taxiway D. Early rotation prevents a possible collision. Three aircraft were involved in this incident and all three were in communication on the CTAF.
Narrative
Planned for a Part 91 flight with two passengers from BTM. Events leading to the takeoff roll were normal and included at least 3 radio transmissions over CTAF; including one to the Cessna (Aircraft Y). The specific communication related to our intent to depart the area to the west; as was he; and our respective separation enroute. I responded that we would be well out of his way. We started our takeoff roll on Runway 33. Another Cessna (Aircraft Z) was taxing along the parallel taxiway and the first Cessna (Aircraft Y) radioed that he would be taxing to Runway 29. After the 80 KT callout we both noticed that a Cessna was moving quickly and about to cross our runway on Taxiway D (approximately 4;000-4;500 FT from our departure end). The Pilot Flying (Captain) initiated an early rotation at approximately 90-95 KTS as the pilot not flying (First Officer) increased torque to about 120%. The airplane lifted off sluggishly; but in control. The Pilot Flying altered course slightly to the left and behind the Cessna. I (First Officer) saw the airplane to my right on the centerline of our runway with a vertical and lateral separation of 50 FT or less as we crossed Taxiway D airborne. Communications with Aircraft Y after this incident revealed that he thought '… a Piaggio; departing 33' (how I make my radio calls) was the 'other Cessna' still taxing down the parallel taxiway.
Second reporter narrative
Boarded passengers and ran through all of the checklists. First Officer called on CTAF 123.0; on Com 1; our intentions to taxi to Runway 33 for a west bound departure. After we had taxied half way down to 33 a Cessna (Aircraft Z) also announced his taxi to Runway 33. We did our normal run up. Then another single engine Cessna (Aircraft Y) called his taxi to Runway 29 for a departure to the west. First Officer spoke with Aircraft Y and stated that we should be well out of his way. First Officer called departing 33 to the west. The takeoff roll was normal through 80 KTS. At 80 KTS I noticed; out of the corner of my eye; a single engine Cessna taxing at a high rate of speed towards our runway (Cessna was on Taxiway D). It was clear that the Cessna had no intention of stopping before entering the runway. It was my decision that the best course of action was to attempt to rotate and fly over the airplane entering the runway. Our speed at the time was 90-100 KTS. The First Officer pushed up the throttles to the max trans torque of approximately 120%. I then made a slight turn to the left to avoid the airplane. When we passed over and to the left of the aircraft the First Officer stated that Aircraft Y was in the middle of the runway and we had less then 50 FT of clearance; both laterally and vertically. I asked the pilot; 'What were you thinking?' He said that he was sorry. Climbing out we monitored the CTAF to get the tail number. During this time we heard Aircraft Z and Aircraft Y have a conversation about what happened. It was stated by Aircraft Y; 'I messed up and taxied under them while they were taking off.'
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.