Description

On 29 February 2004, a B732 being operated by Ryanair and taxiing in after landing across an intermediate point on runway 06L did not notice a MyTravel Airways AIRBUS A-321 accelerating along the same runway on its take off roll in normal day visibility. However, the A321 saw the potential conflict and made a high speed rejected take off as the 737 continued across the runway ahead, thereby eliminating any risk of collision.

Investigation

An Investigation was carried out by the UK AAIB. It was noted that the visibility was good and that the crossing point involved was at about the mid point of the 3048 metre long runway.

It was established that both aircraft had been operating in accordance with their respective ATC clearances and calculated from recorded data that the 737 had been taxiing at an average speed of 33 knots between clearing runway 06R after landing and entering runway 06L. The rejected take off carried out by the A321 had been commenced from above 100 knots and when the 737 had entered the runway, the A321 was away from the crossing point 873 metres. By the time the 737 vacated the runway, the A321 was, as a result of the rejected take off action, still 600 metres from the crossing point.