Operational non-compliance, Sydney Airport, New South Wales, on 17 July 2008

AO-2008-049

Summary

On 17 July 2008, an Airbus Industrie A330-300 (Airbus) aircraft was being operated on a scheduled international passenger service from Sydney, NSW to Melbourne, Vic. with 13 crew and 163 passengers. The aircraft commenced a take-off without having received a take-off clearance by Air Traffic Control. At the same time, a Boeing 737 had been cleared to cross the same runway. The tower controller advised the flight crew of the Airbus that they had not been cleared for take-off, and they discontinued the take-off.

The safety issue identified as a result of this investigation related to the potential confusion arising from the use of a combined line-up and wait instruction with a departure instruction. Airservices Australia has committed to undertake a review of this procedure.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number AO-2008-049
Occurrence date 17/07/2008
Location Sydney Airport
State New South Wales
Report release date 16/06/2009
Report status Final
Investigation level Systemic
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Operational non-compliance
Occurrence class Incident
Highest injury level None

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Airbus
Model A330
Registration RP-C3333
Serial number 191
Sector Jet
Operation type Air Transport High Capacity
Departure point Sydney, NSW
Destination Melbourne, Vic.
Damage Nil