#atcpilot #aviation #tower
The incident occurred at approximately 20:35 local time at Porto Airport (LPPR) on April 27, 2021. A Boeing 737-476(SF) owned by ASL Airlines was operating a cargo flight FDX4959 to Liege, Belgium (EBLG) on behalf of FedEx.
12 minutes before the plane was in line for takeoff, the "Follow Me" vehicle was performing a scheduled runway inspection on the runway and had received permission from the tower to enter the runway.
The "Follow Me" vehicle reported to the tower that it saw strong lights at the center of the track and asked what was going on. ATC said that there is an airplane about to take off on the runway, they should approach the left side of the runway immediately and leave the runway.
Pilots reported seeing two lights on the opposite side of the runway at takeoff. Since it was evening, they thought these lights might be runway lights. But as they passed by, they saw that it was a vehicle. When they inquired about the tower, they got the answer that there was a misunderstanding.
As a result of the reporting of the incident, a report was prepared by the Portuguese Security Investigation Agency, and it was stated that the final result would be notified within 12 months.
To review the report: www.gpiaa.gov.pt/
Radio conversations: www.liveatc.net/
Map: www.google.com/intl/en/earth/...