2012-02 · NASA ASRS report 996342
Local Controller receiving OJT described a runway separation error when a foreign aircraft was taxied into position to 'line up and wait' but initiated a take off; both the ATC trainee and instructor missed an incorrect read back by the pilot.
An F-16 was on landing roll on Runway 11L and I told a C501 to line up and wait on Runway 11L. The C501 read back cleared for take off which I did not catch and began a take off roll. The F-16 was at the end of the runway but still on the runway. While I was looking at something else we were notified by Ground Control that the C501 was on take off roll. When my Trainer tried to cancel the C501's take off clearance; he didn't cancel but started an early rotation with the F-16 still on the runway. I probably didn't catch the wrong read back because I diverted my attention to the F-16 who was a hung ordnance still on the runway; and I was coordinating a runway crossing with Ground Control which Ground Control cancelled because of the rolling C501. I need to work on hear back read back and give more attention to foreign pilots. I need to be able to actively listen especially when a situation could develop like the incident described. Maybe developmentals should do read back hear back computer based instructions pertaining to the role in air traffic on a regular basis.
I was providing OJT on Local Control. An F-16 landed Runway 11L and rolled out to the end to exit. A C501; was instructed to line up and wait on Runway 11L. The pilot of the C501 read back 'cleared for take off.' Neither the Trainee or myself caught the error in read back. The Local Control 2 Controller alerted us to the fact that the Citation was starting departure roll. I attempted to abort the take off of the C501 and did not get a response. I again tried and received acknowledgement; i.e. 'Roger'; but the C501 did not abort take off. The Local Control 2 Controller did not cross a P28A that was approved by Local Control 1 to cross; and the F-16 was still on the runway when the Citation began departing and I attempted to stop the departure. I believe that the trainee had reached a point of being overwhelmed shortly before the incident. There were lots of mistakes made and the traffic load and complexity were contributing to his loss of focus. I had considered discontinuing the training session but did not do it in a timely enough manner. I will hopefully choose differently in the future. I believe that the language barrier between the pilot and the Controller's instructions was the key component in why this event occurred. In the future; I will take extra time to insure that foreign pilots fully understand the ATC instructions. If the read back had been caught by either myself or the trainee; this event could have been avoided. A more dedicated approach to listening actively to read backs is needed. I would recommend that OJTI's be given a reminder that it is crucial to safety that they do not allow trainees to push beyond their limits and to be aware when the limits of each trainee is reached. A refresher concerning read backs and a heightened vigilance to dealing with foreign pilots could help prevent a similar occurrence in the future.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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