By An incident involving a Boeing 747-400 freighter flight has sparked concern and raised questions about aviation safety protocols at Riyadh Airport. On Monday, April 22, 2024, at 12:37 AM local time, a 29-year-old Boeing 747-400 with the registration code 9H-AKF, operated by Air Atlanta Europe Malta and leased by Saudi Arabian Airlines, was scheduled to depart from Riyadh (RUH) to Nairobi (NBO).
The incident occurred when the aircraft was cleared to take off on runway 33R, boasting a length of 13,796 feet (4,205 meters). However, instead of utilizing the designated runway, the pilots attempted to initiate takeoff from taxiway K, which runs parallel to the runway but only offers a length of 4,880 feet (1,490 meters).
Despite the significantly shorter length of the taxiway, the pilots proceeded with the takeoff, accelerating the jet to a speed of 110 knots, nearly two-thirds of the aircraft’s takeoff speed. Realizing the error at such a high speed, the pilots promptly rejected the takeoff, bringing the aircraft to a halt approximately 4,780 feet (1,450 meters) down the taxiway, with a mere 100 feet of runway remaining.
Following the aborted takeoff, the flight was subsequently canceled, and the aircraft remained grounded for nearly two days before returning to service. Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Investigation Bureau has initiated an investigation into the incident to determine the underlying causes and prevent future occurrences.
While incidents of attempting to take off from taxiways are rare, they underscore the potential risks associated with human error in aviation operations. Factors such as lack of focus, exhaustion, or time pressure can contribute to such incidents, highlighting the critical role of stringent safety measures and pilot vigilance.
Interestingly, this incident bears resemblance to a similar occurrence in 2018 when a Jet Airways Boeing 737 also attempted to take off from taxiway K after being cleared for departure on runway 33R. In that instance, the aircraft overshot the taxiway, coming to a stop on soft ground.
The Aviation Herald has pointed out discrepancies in the aerodrome chart for Riyadh Airport, as it fails to display taxiway K. Moreover, the peculiar placement of the taxiway, coupled with the absence of clear markings, may contribute to confusion among pilots, potentially leading to such incidents.
While pilots are expected to exercise caution and adhere to established procedures, the incident highlights the need for comprehensive reviews of airport infrastructure and operational protocols to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of air travel.
