Preliminary Report: CitationJet takes off on taxiway

Cessna CitationJet 525, Memphis, Tenn., Oct. 11, 2007–When Citation N241EP was taxiing on Taxiway N at Memphis International, the tower cleared it for takeoff on Runway 36L. The crew began its takeoff roll on Taxiway M, and the tower twice advised the crew that they were taking off on a taxiway. The crew acknowledged the advisory just after lifting off Taxiway M, flying over a Pinnacle regional jet holding on the taxiway at 400 to 500 feet. The NTSB said the FAA classified the incident as a pilot deviation. The jet is registered to Lucky Duck Enterprises of Santa Teresa, N.M.