Accident/Incident Investigation, In-depth Feature, Runway Safety

Misdirected Focus

The Dash 8 crew turned to line up on the centerline at the same time they were performing pre-departure ‘ready checks.’

by Linda Werfelman | May 18, 2026

The flight crew of a QantasLink Dash 8 was conducting pre-takeoff checks when they aligned the airplane with the runway edge lights for takeoff from Runway 09 at Mildura (Victoria, Australia) Airport. The airplane contacted five edge lights before the captain realized that the Dash 9 was not on the centerline and maneuvered the airplane toward it to continue the takeoff.

Misdirected Focus

You Must Be an FSF Member to Have Full Access to This Article

Become A Member

Member Login

Print:

Misdirected Focus

You Must Be an FSF Member to Have Full Access to This Article

Become A Member

Member Login

Share:

Print:

Related Content

Salt Air and Corrosion

Descent to the Sea

No Alerts Before Runway Collision, NTSB Says