RIYADH- On April 22, 2024, a Boeing 747 freighter, operated by Air Atlanta (CT) Europe Malta on behalf of Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV), aborted its takeoff run after mistakenly attempting to depart from a taxiway instead of the designated runway.
A recent incident at Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH) has raised eyebrows and prompted an investigation into aviation safety protocols.
Air Atlanta 747 Rejected Takeoff
As per data from Flightradar24, the aircraft, bound for Nairobi, Kenya, taxied from the cargo apron to the taxiway leading to runway 33R. However, instead of continuing to the appropriate runway, the crew veered onto taxiway K, which was significantly shorter in length.
Despite receiving clearance from air traffic controllers to take off from runway 33R, the crew initiated the takeoff roll from taxiway K. As the aircraft accelerated down the taxiway, the crew realized their error and promptly aborted the takeoff.
The cargo plane stopped with minimal runway remaining, sparking concerns about the potential risks posed by such incidents. With temperatures soaring, the abrupt stop may have caused overheated brakes and possible damage to the landing gear assembly.
Saudi Arabia Investigates Incident
Following the incident, the flight to Nairobi was canceled, and the aircraft underwent inspection and maintenance before resuming operations. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the mishap and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The Aviation Investigation Bureau of Saudi Arabia is currently investigating the incident to identify any errors that may have contributed to the failed takeoff attempt. Investigators aim to comprehend how the crew confused a shorter taxiway for a longer runway at the airport.
Moreover, the crew and onboard systems should have conducted checks to alert them of the error. However, it seems these warnings were disregarded.
Aircraft Details
The aircraft involved in the occurrence was a 29-year-old Boeing 747-400 freighter bearing the registration 9H-AKF. Initially flying in December 1994, it was originally delivered to EVA Air (BR) in Taiwan as a passenger aircraft.
Subsequently, in August 2007, it underwent conversion into a freighter and was later acquired by Air Atlanta in March 2019. Following its transfer from Air Atlanta, the Icelandic parent company, to Air Atlanta Europe Malta in October 2022.
Despite the gravity of this incident and its potential for a different outcome, Riyadh Airport experienced a strikingly similar event in 2018.
During that instance, a Jet Airways (9W) Boeing 737 attempted takeoff from taxiway K after being cleared for departure from runway 33R. However, the aircraft failed to halt before reaching the end of the taxiway, eventually stopping on the soft ground beyond the tarmac surface of taxiway K.
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