Aeromexico Connect E190 at Guatemala City on Feb 27th 2014, commenced and rejected takeoff without clearance

An Aeromexico Connect Embraer ERJ-190, registration XA-HAC performing flight 5D-693/AM-693 from Guatemala City (Guatemala) to Mexico City (Mexico), had been cleared to line up and wait on runway 02. The aircraft taxied into position while tower cleared a helicopter for takeoff. The Embraer crew mistook the clearance for themselves and commenced takeoff from runway 02, tower instructed the aircraft to reject takeoff and the crew complied with the instruction bringing the aircraft to a safe stop. A heated debate between Embraer crew and tower followed with the crew being convinced they had been cleared for takeoff.

The aircraft subsequently positioned for another takeoff about 20 minutes later and reached Mexico City 5 minutes behind schedule.