A 737 entered a closed section of runway during its take-off from Brisbane Airport after its flight crew misinterpreted or missed dispatcher notes, a NOTAM and ATIS information detailing the shortened runway length available due to maintenance works.
On the morning of 30 November 2022, the Virgin Australia Boeing 737-800 commenced its take-off roll from Brisbane's runway 19L for a flight to Melbourne, with 169 passengers and 8 crew on board. The flight crew comprised a training captain and a first officer undertaking 'line flying under supervision' as part of the first officer's conversion onto the 737 aircraft.
The take-off thrust and speeds set by the flight crew were based on the full runway length being available. However, unrecognised by the crew, the take-off distance available for runway 19L was reduced at the upwind (01R threshold) end by 871 m due to runway works.
During the take-off roll, the aircraft briefly entered, and became airborne in, the closed section of runway. The aircraft completed the departure and continued on to Melbourne without further incident.
"The displaced threshold was detailed in dispatcher notes and in a NOTAM - notice to airmen advisory - included in pre-flight paperwork given to the crew prior to their previous flight from Melbourne to Brisbane, as well as in the paperwork for the Brisbane departure," ATSB Director Transport Safety Stuart MacLeod explained.
"Further, the ATIS broadcast of recorded aeronautical information for Brisbane Airport at the time of the departure also alerted flight crews to the displaced threshold and reduced take-off distance at the time.
