On March 20, 2025, a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 began its takeoff roll on a taxiway at Orlando International Airport (MCO). Fortunately, the aircraft did not lift off, and the takeoff was aborted. However, in the aftermath, investigators say that it was pilot error to blame.

The immediate reports that followed the mishap stated that the aircrew had mistaken the surface of the taxiway for the runway itself. The plane was cleared to take off by air traffic control. However, the crew failed to taxi to the runway before powering up.

Trouble In Orlando

During the incident, air traffic control noticed the airplane begin to take off from the taxiway, which runs parallel to the runway. Controllers then canceled takeoff clearance for the airplane, and the pilots rejected the ta

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