On March 20, 2025, a serious incident involving a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 occurred at Orlando International Airport (MCO) when the aircraft mistakenly began its takeoff roll on a taxiway rather than the designated runway. Fortunately, air traffic control intervened, and the takeoff was aborted, allowing the plane, carrying 152 passengers and six crew members, to return safely to the apron without injuries or damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has attributed the incident to pilot error, highlighting significant failures in the decision-making process of the aircraft’s captain. Initial reports indicated that the aircrew misidentified the taxiway as the runway and initiated the takeoff after receiving clearance from air traffic control.
Investigative Findings and Pilot Actions
According to the NTSB’s final report, which was released in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the captain’s failure to recognize the aircraft’s actual location was a critical factor in the incident. The report noted that the captain “missed several cues” that would have indicated they were not on the assigned departure runway.
The investigation revealed that after receiving clearance, the crew mistakenly turned onto taxiway H2 instead of runway 17R. Prior to powering up the engines, the captain reported seeing the sign for runway 17R but did not realize they were on a taxiway. His focus on centering the aircraft and completing pre-takeoff checklist items distracted him from recognizing that they were not on the correct flight path.
When questioned about his visual references during taxiing, the captain stated that he relied on lighting and the magnetic course displayed on the moving map, which did not provide adequate confirmation of their position. This oversight was compounded by the parallel orientation of the taxiway, which may have contributed to the confusion regarding their location.
Standard Operating Procedures Not Followed
Further investigation revealed that the captain had not adhered to Southwest Airlines’ standard operating procedures (SOP), which outline necessary checks before takeoff. These procedures include verifying aircraft position using various references such as aircraft heading indicators, navigation displays, runway signage, and painted runway designations.
The NTSB found that the captain did not effectively utilize these visual references, failing to notice the yellow painted centerline and the distinct differences between the taxiway and runway surfaces. Additionally, the first officer’s attention had been diverted by the captain’s requests to confirm checklist items, further violating the SOPs and contributing to the mishap.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adherence to established protocols in aviation. As travel continues to increase, especially during peak periods like spring break in Florida, maintaining rigorous safety standards remains paramount for all airlines.
