Unfortunately, I have to disagree here.
Yes, ATC might possibly have been able to catch the error, based on their workload the and the conditions outside the tower, but it's not something that you can count on.
When you get right down to it, the ultimate responsibility lays with the flight crew (in particular, the captain who's recognized as the Pilot-in-Command). The two pilots had several years of experience, and were apparently familiar with the airport and the route. In addition to that, in the cockpit, they had a facility directory with a taxi map for the airport.
Then there's the fact of the markings and signs posted along the taxiway. And the markings at the runway threshold. Or the bit that blows my mind. The fact that both pilots apparently didn't notice the compass heading was 026 degrees instead of 022 degrees, despite the fact that they'd have checked the reading prior to departure.
The only explanation I can come up with that makes any sense at all is that the either the crew rest period had been violated, and the flight crew was fatigued, or something else had been going on prior to departure.
Always a chain of events lead to these things. Many contributing factors I'm sure, but PIC is supreme, And runway length is primary pre-flight planning.
I agree that the pilots have ultimate command over their aircraft from the time the door is sealed until the time it is opened again. And, I agree that the pilots should be familiar enough with the runway markings to know where they are on a field. That said, they are also busy in the flight station running pre-flight checks and settings so, between the tower and the flight crew, apparently no one was watchinh where they went.
However, those windows in the tower are there for the ground and aircraft controllers to actually look outside. This isn't a GCA facility, it's the tower. They sit up high with a 360 degree view so they can see what is occurring on and around their airport. This is not the first time a controller has screwed up because no one was looking out the window.
drunk? hungover?
sometimes the "routine" gets your a## killed.
like always looking down the barrel of your .45 after you've pulled the magazine out and making sure there isn't a round in the chamber....over and over, year after year till you're a little distracted, and leave one in the pipe...BAM!
attention to detail. it's a way of life... now 49 people died cause of a simple screw up.