Why rejected takeoffs happen and what risk factors are involved

A rejected takeoff is relatively uncommon, occurring roughly every 3,000 successful takeoffs. About three-quarters of these aborted takeoffs happen at lower speeds, according to the Pilot Institute. Despite being uncommon, several reasons can lead to an RTO, highlighting the pivotal decision-making process that seeks to avert potential catastrophes. This underscores the industry's commitment to passenger and crew safety.

Engine failures may prompt an RTO, such as the incident on November 8, 2024, when a Vueling flight had to abort at Barcelona-El Prat Airport due to engine failure. Runway incursions are another reason for RTO, like the one on January 13, 2023, where a pilot had to abort takeoff due to a runway incursion at JFK Airport.

Air traffic control (ATC) might cancel takeoff clearances, resulting in an RTO. Southwest Flight WN 3278's takeoff was canceled at Orlando Airport when it mistakenly began departure on a taxiway. Insufficient acceleration during takeoff, owing to factors like incorrect configuration or mechanical issues, can also lead to aborted takeoff decisions.

Fire hazards, such as engine fires during takeoff, have significant safety implications. An instance of this happened on February 2, 2025, when a United Airlines flight aborted takeoff in Houston after catching fire. Loss of directional control and encountering windshear are further risks that may prompt an RTO for safety reasons.

Additionally, incidents like doors popping open during takeoff or landing gear problems may necessitate an aborted takeoff to ensure safety. Medical or security concerns might also lead to an RTO, particularly if a sudden emergency arises during takeoff.

Despite these potential issues, airlines ensure pilots are well-trained to handle RTO situations effectively. Continuous simulations and recurrent training help maintain sharpness in pilots, enabling them to address rare events with composure. This dedication to safety contributes to air travel's reputation as one of the safest travel modes.