Boeing software glitch saw TUI plane with 163 passengers clear runway by inches

07 June 2024 , 09:08

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They would have run out of runway three seconds later (Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)

A holiday jet with 163 passengers on board only cleared the end of the runway at Bristol Airport by inches when a software glitch hit.

Boeing 737-800 was carrying Tui customers to Gran Canaria in March when the computer malfunction saw it left with too little power to take off. According to an official report by the government's Air Accident Investigation Branch the "serious" incident would have seen the plane run out of runway in just three more seconds.

The 15-year-old airplane took off with just 260 metres of runway remaining, clearing the end of the tarmac at a height of just 10 feet off the ground. It then passed over the nearby A38 road at less than 100 feet.

The AAIB report states: "A Boeing 737-800 completed a takeoff from Runway 09 at Bristol Airport with insufficient thrust to meet regulated performance." Experts add that aircraft taking off with insufficient thrust can risk the engine stalling and the plane crashing to the ground.

The cleared the runway by 10ft (Bristol Live/BPM Media)

The pilots on board, along with the rest of the nine-person crew, did not notice the potentially fatal lack of power needed to safely take off, according to the scathing report. It is also stated the aircraft's auto-throttle system disengaged when the crew selected takeoff mode.

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Instead of the required 92.8% of thrust needed to safely take off, the aircraft only reached a lacklustre and potentially deadly 84%. The AAIB's review of problems on the affected flight showed 11 errors.

There were 11 errors found (Crown Copyright)

Performance data collated by the AAIB comparing the flight to other take offs from Bristol Airport showed its acceleration was significantly slower than 99.7 per cent of other aircraft of the same model departing the same airport. Investigators asked Boeing about their auto-throttle system who admitted they were aware of a "long history of nuisance disconnects during takeoff mode engagements".

A Tui spokesman told reporters: "We have worked closely with the authorities to provide all available information. The AAIB recommendations and learnings resulting from this take-off will support the whole aviation sector and other airlines. The safety of our passengers and crew is always our highest priority."

Kelly-Ann Mills