Both a TPA Controller and an instructor pilot described a Taxiway W takeoff event with traffic taxiing in the opposite direction; both reporters indicated that attempts at corrective action would have increased safety concerns given the timing of the error discover.
Synopsis
Both a TPA Controller and an instructor pilot described a Taxiway W takeoff event with traffic taxiing in the opposite direction; both reporters indicated that attempts at corrective action would have increased safety concerns given the timing of the error discover.
Narrative
Cleared a PA28 for takeoff on Runway 19R at Tampa Airport with traffic on 3 mile final Runway 19R. A B737 was taxiing northbound on Taxiway W which is parallel to Runway 19R and between Runway 19R and Taxiway V. The PA28 was on Taxiway V and turned down Taxiway W with takeoff roll and was airborne within 1;000 FT. The B737 on Taxiway W northbound reported that aircraft took off toward him opposite direction then turned west to align himself over runway. I was scanning down runway and as I scanned north saw PA28 airborne and well above the B737 jet. The B737 on 3 mile final reported the PA28 took off taxiway also; as did the PA28; who volunteered the information on frequency. Aircraft rolled and was airborne too quick for me to see or stop the aircraft; and stopping aircraft at that point would have been worse than allowing situation to happen as it did. Being able to LINE-UP-AND-WAIT on the runway without an additional CIC person in Tower probably would have averted the situation; but we are required to not allow it without more staffing in Tower.
Second reporter narrative
The aircraft was at the intersection of Taxiway V and V8 and we were given clearance for takeoff with no delay traffic on a 3 mile final. As we accelerated and turned for takeoff we realized we had turned on Taxiway W. By the time we realized we had reached our scheduled rotation speed; lifted off and side stepped to the runway to overfly the runway centerline. Contributing factors include night time and reduced visibility. I thought I had crossed a hold short line passing between V8 and W. My first flight of the day started at XA:00; and this was my last flight of the day scheduled to end at XK:20. The traffic on short final led us to skip our normal procedure of applying full power before brake release and taking more time entering the runway environment.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.