Two 787s In Toronto Runway Incursion

On March 21, 2023, the Canadian aviation authority, Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB), launched an investigation into a runway incursion incident that occurred at Toronto's Pearson International Airport (YYZ). The incident involved two Boeing 787 Dreamliners, one operated by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and the other by LOT Polish Airlines.

According to the preliminary information released by the TSB, the incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. local time when the KLM Dreamliner, with registration PH-BQR, was cleared for takeoff on runway 24L. Meanwhile, the LOT Dreamliner, with registration SP-LPC, was still on the same runway, waiting for clearance to cross the runway to taxi to the holding position for departure on runway 24R.

Controllers at the airport tower noticed that the LOT Dreamliner had not yet started moving from the runway, despite having received clearance to do so. They then issued takeoff clearance to the KLM Dreamliner, which began its takeoff roll on the wet and slippery runway. As the KLM Dreamliner accelerated, controllers became concerned about the position of the LOT Dreamliner and issued an immediate abort takeoff instruction to the KLM flight crew.

The KLM Dreamliner, which was traveling at around 110 knots (approximately 126 mph or 203 km/h), quickly came to a halt, avoiding a collision with the LOT Dreamliner by a mere 300 feet (90 meters). The LOT Dreamliner, which had been stationary on the runway, was able to move off the runway without incident.

The TSB is currently investigating the incident to determine the root causes and identify any contributing factors, including human factors, communication, and potential equipment issues. The investigation will also examine the airport's procedures and training programs for runway safety.

This is not the first time that Toronto's Pearson International Airport has experienced a runway incursion incident involving large commercial jets. In December 2022, an Air Canada Boeing 767 and an Air Transat Airbus A320 came dangerously close to colliding on the same runway, resulting in the grounding of both aircraft and the cancellation of numerous flights. The TSB is also investigating that incident.

Runway incursions, which occur when an aircraft or vehicle enters a restricted area on the airport's active runway without clearance or authorization, pose significant risks to aviation safety and can result in serious consequences, including collisions, damage to aircraft, and potential loss of life. The TSB emphasizes the importance of adhering to airport procedures and maintaining situational awareness to prevent such incidents.

The TSB's investigation into the March 21, 2023, incident is ongoing, and further information will be released as it becomes available. The aviation community and the public will be kept informed of the investigation's progress and findings through the TSB's website and other communication channels.