Incident Overview
On 17 December 2014, at 05:42 UTC, a serious runway incursion occurred at Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA). The incident involved two aircraft: flight BEL60W, a BAE Systems Avro RJ-100 (registration OO-DWG) operated by Brussels Airlines, and flight BCS6296, a Boeing 757-200 (registration D-ALED) operated by European Air Transport. The departure of BEL60W from Runway 29 was aborted after BCS6296 crossed the same runway while taxiing to the cargo apron. No injuries or damage to either aircraft or property were reported.
Sequence of Events
At 05:40:57, the tower controller cleared BEL60W to line up on Runway 29 and wait. At 05:41:07, the same controller cleared BCS6296 to taxi via Taxiway Alpha and cross active Runway 29, simultaneously deactivating the stop bar. At 05:41:47, the controller cleared BEL60W for takeoff. As BEL60W began its takeoff roll, BCS6296 started crossing the runway. At 05:42:13, the controller urgently ordered BEL60W to hold position. BEL60W, having accelerated to 80 knots, began braking and stopped as BCS6296 completed the crossing approximately 250 meters ahead. The controller later admitted the mistake and apologized.
Investigation and Cause
The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) investigated the serious incident. The report stated that the cause was errors in air traffic management (ATM). Specifically, the tower controller failed to ensure the runway was clear before issuing the takeoff clearance, having forgotten the earlier clearance for BCS6296 to cross. The abort was initiated relatively late, and radar data suggested that the BEL60W crew may have begun braking before the controller's command.
Aftermath
After the incident, BEL60W performed a backtrack and requested additional time on the runway to cool its brakes. Both aircraft continued to their destinations without further issues. The investigation concluded with no safety recommendations.