An operational miscommunication resulted in a Southwest Airlines B737-800 rejecting its takeoff at San Diego on 11 October 2024. Southwest Airlines flight WN1478, operated by a Boeing 737-800, was preparing for takeoff from San Diego International Airport (SAN) for Dallas Love Field (DAL). Flight WN1478 was given an ATC clearance to enter runway 27 and hold, in preparation for takeoff.
At the same time, another Southwest flight, WN785 operated by a Boeing 737-700, was also taxiing for departure to Phoenix, AZ. Due to a taxiway closure, flight WN785 required to cross runway 27 via taxiway B6 to reach its holding point.
The air traffic ground controller granted WN785 permission to cross runway 27, while WN-1478 was lining up for takeoff. However, a communication error led to a potential ground separation incident. Just as flight WN1478 was given a clearance for takeoff, WN785 was about to pass the hold short line to cross the runway.
The tower controller realized the potential conflict and then instructed WN1478 to cancel its takeoff. Unfortunately, WN1478 did not respond in time and had commenced the takeoff roll. This prompted a second instruction from the tower to cancel takeoff clearance.
Flight crew of WN1478 subsequently initiate a rejected takeoff procedure. The aircraft was brought to a stop before reaching the intersection with taxiway B6. It then exited the runway via taxiway C6. The waiting flight WN785 was then given a clearance to cross the active runway. Flight WN1478 was returned to the apron hardstanding area for further inspections as a result of the rejected takeoff.
The aircraft conducting the departing WN1478 service to Dallas was a Boeing 787-800, registered N8551Q. This is a 7 year old narrowbody aircraft belonging to the carrier Southwest Airlines. It was delivered to the airline in October 2017. The aircraft conducting the WN785 taxiing for Phoenix was a Boeing 737-700, registered N262WN. This is a 17.9 year old narrowbody belong to Southwest Airlines.
