In 1997 the worst runway incursion in aviation history occurred in foggy weather on the island of Tenerife when a KLM 747 began a takeoff with a lost Pan American 747 on the runway. In all, 583 people lost their lives.
More recently, runway incursions remain in the news. Fortunately, there have been no accidents. The real question is how well-trained controllers and pilots can make such grievous mistakes. Let’s examine this.
