Investigations are continuing as to how a Boeing 737 Max, operated by Gol Linhas Aéreas, collided with an airport vehicle while preparing for takeoff from Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport.
The aircraft was accelerating towards Fortaleza when pilots aborted the takeoff due to the vehicle’s presence on the runway, avoiding potential injuries.
The runway at Rio de Janeiro’s international airport is one of the longest globally, measuring 4,000 meters (approximately 13,000 feet).
After the incident, all passengers and crew safely disembarked, and the airline arranged an alternative flight for those heading to Fortaleza.
The ATC conversation went:
“We aborted takeoff, we hit a car in the middle of the runway, on 10”.
Controlelr:: “Confirm, was the car in the middle of the runway or was it clearing on Charlie Charlie?”.
Pilots: “In the center of the runway, in the center of the runway, it collided”.
