Pegasus A21N at Frankfurt on Oct 20th 2026, attempted to take off in opposite direction

Last Update: October 23, 2026 / 09:50:49 GMT/Zulu time

Bookmark this article
Incident Facts

Date of incident
Oct 20, 2026

Classification
Incident

Airline
Pegasus Airlines

Flight number
PC-996

Departure
Frankfurt/Main, Germany

Destination
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen, Turkey

Aircraft Registration
TC-RDO

Aircraft Type
Airbus A321-Neo

ICAO Type Designator
A21N

A Pegasus Airlines Airbus A321-200N, registration TC-RDO performing flight PC-996 from Frankfurt/Main (Germany) to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen (Turkey), had taxied to runway 18 on taxiway S (about 1260 meters down the runway) and was cleared for takeoff from runway 18. The aircraft however turned right (in direction north, direction 36 opposite to 18) and commenced takeoff. ATC called the crew, the takeoff was rejected at low speed (about 35 knots over ground). The aircraft vacated the runway at taxiway M about 530 meters down the runway, taxied back to holding point S and departed without further incident about 7 minutes later.

According to information The Aviation Herald received from a listener on frequency, the aircraft had received takeoff clearance but lined up the wrong way and began the takeoff roll when ATC stopped them.

Germany's DFS (ATC provider) told The Aviation Herald: "Der Vorgang wurde den zuständigen Behörden gemeldet. Ob und in welchem Umfang eine Untersuchung durchgeführt wird, liegt in der Zuständigkeit der BFU." (the occurrence was reported to the responsible authorities. Whether an investigation will take place in what scale is in the responsibility of the BFU).
Incident Facts

Date of incident
Oct 20, 2026

Classification
Incident

Airline
Pegasus Airlines

Flight number
PC-996

Departure
Frankfurt/Main, Germany

Destination
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen, Turkey

Aircraft Registration
TC-RDO

Aircraft Type
Airbus A321-Neo

ICAO Type Designator
A21N

This article is published under license from Avherald.com. © of text by Avherald.com.
Article source

You can read 2 more free articles without a subscription.

Subscribe now and continue reading without any limits!

Subscribe now
Are you a subscriber? Login
Subscribe

Read unlimited articles and receive our daily update briefing. Gain better insights into what is happening in commercial aviation safety.

Compare our plans

Send tip

Support AeroInside by sending a small tip amount.

Send tip

Related articles

Newest articles

Subscribe today

Are you researching aviation incidents? Get access to AeroInside Insights, unlimited read access and receive the daily newsletter.

Pick your plan and subscribe

Partner

ELITE Logo

ELITE Simulation Solutions is a leading global provider of Flight Simulation Training Devices, IFR training software as well as flight controls and related services. Find out more.

SafetyScan Pro

SafetyScan Pro provides streamlined access to thousands of aviation accident reports. Tailored for your safety management efforts. Book your demo today

AeroInside Blog
Popular aircraft
Airbus A320
Boeing 737-800
Boeing 737-800 MAX
Popular airlines
American Airlines
United
Delta
Air Canada
Lufthansa
British Airways