Pilots enter wrong data and TAP takes off a second before crossing the runway

Portuguese authorities are investigating a serious incident involving a Portuguese TAP airliner, in which an Airbus A330neo was involved. It took off at the last minute in the capital of Angola, due to a wrong parameter entered by the pilots. The case was registered on April 12, but the information on the investigation was recently revealed, As mentioned by the Air Herald.

On this occasion, the CS-TUL log-jet aircraft will take off from Luanda to Lisbon with 148 passengers and 10 crew members on board, to meet the regular TP-288 service. After receiving instructions from the tower’s controller, the pilots entered the runway at junction “E” and began to accelerate takeoff.

A few seconds later, the captain noticed that the end of the runway was approaching much sooner than expected. At a speed of 147 knots, the aircraft still could not take off. At the time, the pilot ordered full thrust on the plane, which allowed for faster acceleration and allowed the plane to leave the ground at 163 knots, at the last second before crossing the runway.

kick the dust

Flight attendants told investigators they saw dust rising through the windows at the head of the runway after the plane left the ground. The same observation was confirmed by the Watchtower. After that, the crew continued their journey to Lisbon without any further problems.

The Portuguese authorities – GPIAA – stated that the investigation is still ongoing, but it was possible to determine this Incorrectly considered pilotsin Your quit accountswho would have the entire runway to take off, when in fact they had to enter via the “E” junction, as the rest of the runway was closed.

Because of the incorrect parameter, they did not put the full power to start, because they considered that for every 3,700 metres, the power of 85% would be enough to reach the speed needed to leave the ground. However, with less than 1,000 meters available, it would be impossible to lift the 191,000 kilogram aircraft taking off from the intersection without increasing power.

The investigation process continues. This status will result in recommendations from the Portuguese regulator, when completed.