Many times it's something very small or something omitted in a sequence that
can cause these accidents. Something as basic as a heading check for the
right runway can be lost in a last minute conversation between two pilots as
the airplane makes the turn from the taxiway to the takeoff position; a
sudden distraction; a last second joke; anything that breaks a normal habit
pattern.
Its SO easy!!!!!!!
DH

"James Robinson" wrote in message
.. .
"Dudley Henriques" wrote:


It can happen and has happened and will happen again as long as pilots
don't remember to physically check the runway heading by glancing at
the DG or HSI, or even the magnetic compass EVERY time they line up
for takeoff. This should be an automatic reflex action for a pilot,
especially at busy airports where runways are 30 degrees or less apart
in direction. Dudley Henriques

It really makes you wonder about the procedures on that China Airlines 747
that not only took of from a taxiway in 2002, but the taxiway was not even
beside the assigned runway.