Overview
- The AAIB report says a Boeing 737 operating from Luton lifted off 162 metres from the runway end on April 22, 2025 and passed that point about 13 feet above the ground, creating a very small safety margin.
- Investigators concluded the flight crew accepted an intersection departure but did not correctly enter revised V‑speeds and thrust settings into the flight‑management computer, which reduced available engine power for the shortened runway.
- The AAIB warned that a loss of thrust during that takeoff could have prevented a rejected takeoff being stopped on the remaining pavement or the aircraft from achieving the minimum height needed to clear obstacles.
- Independent tracking analysis cited in coverage estimated the jet was about 146 knots at liftoff and would have overrun the runway if it had stayed on the ground for roughly two more seconds, and operators have since issued fresh guidance to crews.
- The flight was wet‑leased by Ascend Airways for Wizz Air UK and Ascend later entered administration; AAIB findings are likely to prompt tighter procedural checks, training updates, and regulator scrutiny of intersection‑departure practices.