A Southwest Airlines plane mistakenly took off from a closed runway last month, according to initial findings from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The incident occurred on June 28 at Portland International Jetport in Maine, with the flight en route to Baltimore, Maryland. During pre-flight preparations, the pilots were required to check a booklet indicating that the runway was closed for construction and to contact their dispatcher before takeoff. However, for unknown reasons, this step was overlooked.
When it was time to take off, the pilots informed the airport’s central communications system that their Boeing 737 Max 7 would be departing from the closed runway.
“The captain stated that the FO made ‘multiple calls to Portland Traffic’ regarding their planned taxi route,” the NTSB report noted.
Despite observing a truck leave the under-construction runway, the pilots did not notice any markings or signs indicating the runway was not operational. Consequently, they proceeded with the takeoff and completed the flight without further issues.
Southwest Airlines has not immediately responded to requests for comment.