More attention needed to prevent takeoffs with erroneous takeoff data

In May 2022 the Dutch Safety Board published the report Takeoff with erroneous takeoff data, Boeing 737-800. The Dutch Safety Board made recommendations to KLM and EASA to prevent takeoffs with erroneous takeoff data. Currently, there are no technical solutions to completely prevent this problem. The recommendations therefore focussed on developing and implementing operational solutions. The Board specifically recommended to stop the aircraft in case of a last minute change to allow the crew more time to check and enter the changed takeoff data.

Based on the responses received from KLM and EASA it appears that the follow-up on these recommendations is partially adequate. Furthermore, at KLM there is no adequate follow-up on the recommendation to encourage the use of full thrust for when last minute changes occur. Since taking off with erroneous takeoff data still happens and is known to be a long standing and complex problem the Board calls on EASA and KLM to push forward with the follow-up on the recommendations.