Comair 5191 accident

[sushi]

One thing that simply amazes me about this terrible accident.

As a pilot who has flown in many different countries and airports, whether flying a starched wing or rotary wing aircraft, we always perform a very quick last minute TO checklist. One very important item on this checklist is to verify TO direction (direction AC is pointing) agrees with cleared runway direction.

Taxi mistakes can and do happen. But this simple check catches issues such as this. Been there done that. It works.

In this case, there was a considerable difference in runway directions. And as for taxi lights/signs, the runway direction is painted on the runway itself which can be seen via the landing light.

Makes no sense to me.

Sorry for the rant.

 

[iGary]

One thing that simply amazes me about this terrible accident.

As a pilot who has flown in many different countries and airports, whether flying a starched wing or rotary wing aircraft, we always perform a very quick last minute TO checklist. One very important item on this checklist is to verify TO direction (direction AC is pointing) agrees with cleared runway direction.

Taxi mistakes can and do happen. But this simple check catches issues such as this. Been there done that. It works.

In this case, there was a considerable difference in runway directions. And as for taxi lights/signs, the runway direction is painted on the runway itself which can be seen via the landing light.

Makes no sense to me.

Sorry for the rant.

You've never gone to the wrong runway?

 

[sushi]

You've never gone to the wrong runway?

Taxi mistakes can and do happen. But this simple check catches issues such as this. Been there done that. It works.

To answer your question, please read my comment.

I have never taken off from the wrong runway. However, I have taxied to the wrong runway. But by performing this simple check, you can catch your error.

Runway direction (in big white numbers) must agree with your compass/rmi heading. Sure there will be slight variation for winds, but when lining up for TO, they should be the same or very close to it.

This accident reminds me of the China airlines crash in Nagoya, Japan, a few years ago where the Captain made a pre solo mistake that cost many lives.

This is basic pilot 101.

Edit: Here is what I am talking about:

http://www.asy.faa.gov/safety_products/airportground/section1.html

Edit 2: iGary, after re-reading my response, I just wanted to mention that I was not attacking you for your question. I'm just frustrated that so many had to perish due to pilot stupidity. Again, please do not take this as an attack against you.

 

[notjustjay]

Every pilot and aircraft enthusiast knows this already, but as a layman, I only just recently realized how airport runways are numbered.

Runways are numbered based on compass bearing. A runway that went straight east-west would have compass headings of 90 and 270 degrees, and so would be called either runway 09 or 27, depending on which direction the plane comes in from.

I see sushi's point, if a pilot is cleared for take-off on 22, his compass bearing had better read 220 degrees. If it's not, he knows he's on the wrong runway.

 

[sushi]

Every pilot and aircraft enthusiast knows this already, but as a layman, I only just recently realized how airport runways are numbered.

Runways are numbered based on compass bearing. A runway that went straight east-west would have compass headings of 90 and 270 degrees, and so would be called either runway 09 or 27, depending on which direction the plane comes in from.

I see sushi's point, if a pilot is cleared for take-off on 22, his compass bearing had better read 220 degrees. If it's not, he knows he's on the wrong runway.

You got it.

Nice explanation by the way.

Embarrassed a bit about my rant. It's just over the years, I have seen some very stupid accidents due to pilot error. Passengers, be it civilian or military, put their trust in the pilots. Pilots must be vigilant! Mistakes like this are so sad.

 

[xsedrinam]

...Runway direction (in big white numbers) must agree with your compass/rmi heading. Sure there will be slight variation for winds, but when lining up for TO, they should be the same or very close to it.

This is basic pilot 101.

I learned something, today, which I suppose a FF should know, but had just never checked or asked. Thanks for that one. sushi.