Southwest Airlines Captain Responsible for Near Takeoff Mishap at Orlando

On March 20, 2025, a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 nearly executed a takeoff from a taxiway at Orlando International Airport (MCO). The incident, which involved Flight 3278 bound for Albany, New York (ALB), was aborted just in time, with no injuries reported among the 152 passengers and six crew members on board. Following an investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that pilot error was the primary cause of the near-mishap.

The aircraft was cleared for takeoff by air traffic control. However, the crew mistakenly began their takeoff roll on a taxiway that runs parallel to the runway. Air traffic controllers quickly noticed the error and canceled the takeoff clearance, prompting the pilots to reject the takeoff and safely return to the apron.

Investigation Findings

The NTSB’s final report, released in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on December 11, highlighted critical errors made by the captain. According to an excerpt from the report, the captain failed to recognize that the airplane was not on the assigned departure runway and overlooked several cues indicating this.

During the investigation, the captain recounted that after receiving takeoff clearance, the crew inadvertently turned onto taxiway H2 instead of runway 17R. Although he reported seeing the sign for runway 17R, he did not realize that he was on a taxiway. The captain stated that his focus on centering the aircraft and completing the pre-takeoff checklist diverted his attention from recognizing the taxiway surface.

Investigators questioned the captain about the painted numbers on the runway surface, which he claimed were not visible from the cockpit. He relied on visual references such as lighting and a moving map display for navigation during taxiing.

Standard Operating Procedures Not Followed

The investigation revealed that the captain did not adhere to Southwest Airlines’ standard operating procedures (SOP), which are designed to ensure correct positioning for takeoff. The SOPs recommend using various visual references, including aircraft heading indicators, navigation displays, and runway signage.

The NTSB found that the captain failed to utilize these references effectively. Notably, he did not observe the yellow painted centerline or the significant differences in surface textures between the taxiway and runway. Additionally, the first officer was distracted by the captain’s request to confirm checklist items, which further contributed to the situation and was contrary to the airline’s SOPs.

While the incident concluded without physical harm, it serves as a reminder of the critical importance of adhering to established procedures in aviation. The findings emphasize the necessity for aircrew to remain vigilant and attentive to their surroundings, especially in busy environments like Orlando International Airport, which experiences heightened traffic during peak travel periods such as spring break.

Southwest Airlines has built its reputation on providing affordable service across the United States, focusing on connecting underserved communities rather than funneling high-yield traffic through major hubs. This incident highlights the need for continuous training and adherence to safety protocols to maintain the airline’s commitment to passenger safety.