What happened
On May 3, 2014, an incident occurred at Rzeszów Airport (EPRZ) involving a Boeing 737-800. At the time of the event, installation and assembly work on the navigational lighting system was being conducted at the intersection of runway 09 and taxiway "A".
As the aircraft was on approach for landing, the air traffic controller at TWR EPRZ instructed the maintenance crew to promptly vacate the runway area. This instruction was issued because the crew had not confirmed they were at a safe distance from the active runway. Consequently, the controller instructed the crew of the Boealing 737-800 to execute a missed approach and proceed to a second approach. The aircraft successfully landed following the second attempt.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the communication between the air traffic controller and the technical personnel on the ground. The inquiry examined the timing of the instructions provided to the workers and the procedures required for clearing the runway during maintenance operations.
Findings
The investigation established that the primary cause of the incident was the delayed instruction issued by the air traffic controller to the maintenance workers to vacate the runway. While workers are required to collect their tools and move to a safe distance from the runway, the controller failed to provide sufficient advance notice of the planned flight operation to allow for a timely clearance of the intersection.
Safety action
Following the incident, an electronic reminder was installed on the airport lighting control panel to alert personnel of runway occupancy. Additionally, the communication system at the operational station was upgraded with a "Runway Incursion" function, designed to provide the air traffic controller with an automated alert regarding runway occupancy.