Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 2.0
Situational Awareness; Human-Machine Interface; Confusion; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Ground Conflict; Critical; Ground Incursion Runway; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Weather
I was told twice by the Traffic Management Coordinator and the snow team coordinator that Runway 30 was open. Aircraft X was given instructions to line up and wait on Runway 30. I observed the ADSE-X and I did not see any targets on the runway. I was also in the middle of coordinating a closure for runway 1C due to snow removal. It was IFR and the visibility was heavily restricted. I could not see the entire runway. I could only see the first 2;000 feet of the runway at best. At no point did I observe a target or vehicle on the runway or ADSE-X. Aircraft X was given a departure clearance and a vector to the southwest. Aircraft Y was given instructions to line up and wait on Runway 30. As I was closing Runway 1C center on the ADSE-X; the ADSE-X alerted for Runway 30. I did not hear exactly what it said but I am quite sure that it did not say Runway 30 occupied. I thought I closed the wrong runway when I noticed an unidentified target moving towards Aircraft X. The targets were merging and at merging point. When Aircraft X's target moved passed the unidentified target I asked the pilot if he was still there. The pilot stated that it was close. After observing the aircraft airborne on radar and on the assigned heading; I believe I switched the aircraft to Potomac Approach.I have not had a chance to review the tapes or ADSE-X playback. I will amend this report once I have a chance to review the incident. As mentioned earlier; I was in the middle of closing the runway when the ADSE-X alerted. My initial assumption was I closed the wrong runway. I am aware that my requirement is to issue a cancel takeoff clearance. By the time I noticed and assessed the situation; the targets were merging and merged. There was nothing I could do. I do not know what recommendations I can make on current procedures.
The flight departed the ramp after being deiced and anti-iced with Type I and Type IV fluid with an established holdover time of 20 minutes. We were then instructed by Ground Control to taxi to Runway 01 Center. After holding short of Taxiway F on Z while waiting for Runway 01 Center to open for departures; we were offered Runway 30 after the snow removal equipment finished their runway clearing. We were told it would be about 10 minutes until they were finished. The wait for Runway 01 Center would be a longer delay so we accepted the shorter wait for Runway 30 to accommodate or holdover time. As we looked over to Runway 30; about 20-30 vehicles were finishing the clearing and beginning to stage on Taxiway Q; adjacent to runway 30. We were number 1 holding short of Runway 30 and instructed by the Tower controller to taxi into position and hold on Runway 30. After visually inspecting the wings for contamination and verifying that we had a clean wing and we were within our holdover time we conducted our lineup checks which were completed. The current special observation reported winds 0000 kt; 3/4 SM visibility; light snow and mist; scattered clouds at 500 feet; overcast at 2;300 feet; temperature 0; dew point -1; and altimeter 29.83. Approximately 30 seconds later; the Tower controller instructed us to turn left to a heading of 250 and cleared us for takeoff on Runway 30.Our pulse lights were transitioned to their steady-on takeoff configuration; taxi light and strobe lights were on; power was advanced and autothrottles were engaged; giving us our desired takeoff power. I conducted my normal call outs during the takeoff roll. After my V1 call out; the pilot flying noticed what appeared to be headlights and amber strobe lights at his 1 o'clock position; on the right half of the runway. He then said something to the effect of 'what is that?!' I then looked up and confirmed that indeed there was a truck coming at us. The Pilot Flying immediately looked at the airspeed indicator in the heads up display (HUD) and saw that we were passing through 4 knots above our decision speed (V1). He opted to pull back on the yoke in an attempt to fly over the truck. I believe the driver of the truck saw us at about the same time and made an evasive maneuver into the snow off the runway. I indicated that I saw him spin out and the last thing I witnessed was the truck 'fish tailing' off the side of the runway; facing back toward us. The climb out was normal. Our climb checks were completed and we were handed over to Potomac departure. The remainder of the flight was completed without incident.
IAD Tower Controller and pilot reported a near collision on the runway between the aircraft and a snow removal vehicle.