KLM Flight from Toronto to Amsterdam Delays Takeoff Due to Runway Incursion

In a tense moment at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, a KLM Boeing 787-10, designated flight KL-692 bound for Amsterdam, had to abruptly halt its takeoff when it was discovered that the runway was still occupied. The aircraft, registered as PH-BKC, was initially cleared to ascend from runway 06L but had to reject the takeoff as the preceding aircraft had not yet cleared the strip.

The situation involved a LOT Polish Airlines Boeing 787-9, flying in from Warsaw as flight LO-45. Although this aircraft had safely landed on the same runway, it unexpectedly failed to exit at the designated taxiway C5, continuing instead to taxiway C7 near the runway’s end. This delay caused the runway to remain occupied longer than anticipated, creating a potentially hazardous overlap with the KLM jet’s takeoff sequence.

In response to this close call, the Polish PKBWL (Polish Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation) has reported that the Canadian Transportation Safety Board (TSB) is conducting an investigation into the incident. The inquiry is focused on the sequence of air traffic control commands and the timing of the clearance given to the KLM flight for takeoff while the LOT aircraft was still on the runway. Initial reports suggest a possible premature ATC authorization for the KLM flight to commence takeoff before it was safe to do so.

Fortunately, there were no injuries as the KLM crew successfully managed to abort the takeoff at high speed and return to the gate. The aircraft resumed its journey to Amsterdam approximately 30 minutes later, once the runway was confirmed clear and safe for use. This incident highlights the critical importance of stringent adherence to runway safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, avherald.com