Air Carrier continued takeoff after ATC issued a 'Cancel Takeoff Clearance'; the reporter noting their speed prohibited any abort action; adding ATC's phraseology was less than clear; suggesting the phrase ABORT be used in this type of circumstance.
Synopsis
Air Carrier continued takeoff after ATC issued a 'Cancel Takeoff Clearance'; the reporter noting their speed prohibited any abort action; adding ATC's phraseology was less than clear; suggesting the phrase ABORT be used in this type of circumstance.
Narrative
[We were] cleared immediate takeoff by Tower with another heavy carrier on 3-mile final. Rolling take off initiated; and during initial roll; approximately 40 KTS; the other carrier declared that he was going around. Tower communicated with them while we were accelerating. Several calls were made by the other carrier's go-around due to wind shear; and the Tower during pilot not flying's call out at 80 KTS. By the time the pilot flying and pilot not flying understood that Tower was canceling our takeoff clearance; we were pushing 90 KTS plus. Pilot flying elected to continue the take off and told pilot not flying to tell Tower 'unable.' Normal take off was completed. Tower gave a vector north for our aircraft and when switching us to Departure; apologized for the confusion. We switched; and later while up on Center; were informed to call TRACON upon arrival. Tower seemed confused as to what action to take after the other carrier initiated go-around. Takeoff cancellation/or full understanding of cancellation to pilot flying/pilot not flying just came too late to avoid a high speed abort. The Tower should have canceled our take off clearance immediately if the intention was to keep us on the ground during the other carrier go-around. Too much time had elapsed between Tower confirming the reason for the go-around and issuing a take off cancellation. ATC may want to ensure that enough time and space exists to account for an aircraft initiating a go-around inside 3 miles or on short final and clearing or subsequently canceling a takeoff clearance.
Second reporter narrative
After being cleared for take off; with a heavy on a three-mile final; Tower cleared the heavy to land. The pilot advised the Tower they were going around. Tower than canceled our takeoff clearance. We were well above 80 KTS and approaching 100 KTS with a 129 V1 speed. I instructed my First Officer to advise Tower that we were unable; and elected to continue the take off; instead of performing a high speed abort. Tower asked the other carrier why they were going around and his answer was that they received a windshear alert. Tower handed us off to Departure Control and we were later instructed to contact TRACON upon landing. After contacting the TRACON Supervisor; he thought the safer action would have been to abort. I explained to him why I thought otherwise. He understood my reasoning and acknowledged my Captain's authority to continue. He also informed me that at no time were there any separation issues with the heavy. Do not cancel takeoff clearances with an aircraft on the roll unless there is imminent danger of loss of life or aircraft damage. In those cases; I think the command should be Company # ABORT; not Company # cancel your takeoff clearance.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.