Albany Flight Actually Cancelled Last Minute Due To Error

Reuters

Flight was leaving Orlando when the take off was aborted last minute.

Southwest Flight 3278 was cleared for takeoff and ready to head to Albany International Airport from Orlando International Airport Thursday morning at 9:30 when it's take off was stopped by the air traffic controller due to a potentially dangerous departure.

The reason that the flight was stopped was due to the crew on board had mistaken the taxiway for the actual runway. Taxiways are used by planes to get to runways, gates and also hangars. They are not designed for takeoffs or landings.

Thankfully there were no collisions or injuries due to the mistake. 

A statement from Southwest Airlines said that the crew on board “mistook the surface for the nearby runway”.

According to the F.A.A. - 

"An air traffic controller at Orlando International Airport canceled the takeoff clearance for Southwest Airlines Flight 3278 ... after the aircraft began its takeoff roll on a taxiway,"

They also added - 

"The taxiway runs parallel to the runway. The flight was headed to Albany International Airport in New York. No other aircraft were involved. The FAA is investigating."

 

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