The controller talks now the KLM jumbo.

17 :02 :50 (Ténérife control tower to KLM 747) – KLM four eight zero five how many taxiway -ah- did you pass ?

17 :02 :55 (KLM 4805) – I think we just passed charlie four (fourth one) now.

17 :02 :59 (Ténérife control tower) – O.K. ... at the end of the runway make one eighty and report -ah- ready -ah- for ATC clearance.

 Both aircraft are still backtracking the runway, But the PanAm 747 is lost because of the fog. It is very difficult to see the exit taxiways. The control tower has confirmed before that it must exit at the third one.

17 :03 :48 (Ténérife control tower) – ...er seven one three six report leaving the runway.

17 :04 :59 (Ténérife control tower) – -m eight seven zero five and clipper one seven ... three six, for your information, the centre line lighting is out of service.

This picture has been taken on Tenerife airport, a few minutes before the accident

One more bad news. Moreover, the PanAm 747 crew has just passed the third taxiway without seeing it. They saw the first one, they missed the second one, and they are now passing the third one thinking it is the second one. They are going to the fourth one.

At the same time, the dutch 747 finishes the runway backtracking and is performing the half-turn. The fog slightly dissipates and the visibility reaches 700 meters. The KLM captain does not want to miss this oppotunity.

17 :05 :45 (First officer to the control tower) – Uh, the KLM ... four eight zero five is now ready for take-off ... uh and we're waiting for our ATC clearance.

17 :05 :53 (Ténérife control tower) – KLM eight seven zero five uh you are cleared to the Papa Beacon climb to and maintain flight level nine zero right turn after take-off proceed with heading zero four zero until intercepting the three two five radial from Las Palmas VOR.

17 :06 :09 (KLM first officer) – Ah roger, sir, we're cleared to the Papa Beacon flight level nine zero, right turn out zero four zero until intercepting the three two five and we're now (at take-off ??).

The 747 gets the clearance, but is not allowed to take off yet. However, the captain, on a hurry, start increasing throttle. He forgot that another aircraft is still taxiing on the runway. The stressful situation is probably on of the cause.

17 :06 :13 (Captain) : We gaan. (We're going)

17 :06 :19 (Ténérife control tower) : OK

At the same time, the Panam first officer is talking :

17 :06 :19 (PanAm first officer) : No .. eh...