Quick action by an air traffic controller averted a serious incident at Orlando on Thursday 20 March, when a Southwest Airlines flight mistakenly began its takeoff from a taxiway.
Southwest Airlines flight WN3278, a Boeing 737-800, was involved in the taxiway mix-up at Orlando International Airport (MCO).
The flight was scheduled to depart for Albany International Airport (ALB) in New York, and was taxiing for a takeoff from runway 17R.
Southwest WN3278 Aborted Takeoff Orlando
However, flight crew began the takeoff roll on Taxiway H instead of the intended Runway 17R. Taxiway H runs parallel to the runway in question. The error occurred around 9:30 a.m. local time, prompting swift action from air traffic control, who canceled the takeoff clearance.
The aircraft reached a ground speed of nearly 70 knots before the crew aborted the maneuver and brought it to a safe stop. No other aircraft were involved, and there were no reported injuries.
The FAA released a statement confirming the ground incident. “An air traffic controller at Orlando International Airport canceled the takeoff clearance for Southwest Airlines Flight 3278 around 9:30 a.m. local time on Thursday, March 20, after the aircraft began its takeoff roll on a taxiway.”
Southwest Airlines acknowledged the crew’s mistake. “The flight crew mistook the surface for the nearby runway,” a spokesperson said.
“Safety remains our top priority, and we’re cooperating fully with the investigation.” After returning to the gate, passengers were transferred to a Boeing 737 MAX 8, registered N8802Q.
FAA & NTSB Investigation
The replacement flight departed at 1:19 p.m. and landed in Albany at 3:31 p.m., delayed by approximately three and a half hours.
The incident has drawn attention to runway safety concerns. Taxiway H runs parallel to Runway 17R, and such mix-ups, while rare, highlight the need for vigilance.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations to determine contributing factors, including human error, signage, or lighting conditions.
This event follows a string of runway incursion incidents nationwide. In response, the FAA is accelerating the deployment of advanced surface surveillance systems. By the end of 2026, 74 U.S. airports, including major hubs, will benefit from this technology.
For now, the focus remains on understanding how flight WN3278 made the fundamental mistake, and ensuring it doesn’t happen again.
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