- Southwest 3278 began takeoff roll on active taxiway at MCO
- Controllers halted aircraft within seconds of potential disaster
- No injuries reported; 143 passengers transferred to replacement jet
- FAA/NTSB investigating first major taxiway confusion incident since 2019
Aviation authorities are scrutinizing a chilling near-miss at Orlando International Airport (MCO) where Southwest Airlines Flight 3278 nearly took off from a taxiway instead of its assigned runway. The Boeing 737-800, carrying 143 passengers to Albany International Airport, had reached 35 knots during its erroneous takeoff roll before air traffic control intervened. This incident marks the most serious operational confusion event at a Florida airport since a 2017 Fort Lauderdale runway incursion involving JetBlue.
Industry analysts reveal taxiway confusion accounts for 18% of all runway safety incidents nationwide, according to 2024 NTSB data. The Orlando event occurred during peak travel hours when the airport was operating at 73% capacity. Aviation safety expert Dr. Elena Marquez notes: Taxiway takeoff attempts have decreased 42% since 2015 due to improved ground radar systems, but human factors remain critical.
Southwest's operational protocols face renewed examination as investigators analyze the cockpit crew's navigation patterns. Preliminary reports suggest the pilots misidentified Taxiway E for Runway 18L/36R, which runs parallel 800 feet to the north. The aircraft traveled 1,200 feet along the taxiway before aborting, creating potential collision risks with ground vehicles and maintenance crews.
This incident follows a pattern of increased runway safety concerns at expanding airports. MCO recently completed a $4.3 billion terminal renovation that added 15 new taxiway segments. Air traffic control recordings reveal the controller issued three increasingly urgent warnings before the pilots aborted takeoff at 6:17 AM EST.
Regional comparisons show Florida airports report 28% more taxiway navigation errors than the national average, per FAA statistics. Tampa International Airport implemented AI-powered runway verification systems in 2023, reducing similar incidents by 67%. Aviation authorities are now urging nationwide adoption of this technology following the Orlando scare.