Incident Overview
On March 31, 2015, at Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA), the crew of an Embraer 195 LR (E190) reported to the tower controller that they might have struck a hare in the touchdown zone of runway 33. The tower controller informed the shift manager of operational duty officers (DOP), who immediately offered to inspect the runway for animal remains. However, permission was withheld due to arriving aircraft. When finally allowed, the DOP inspected the runway and found no remains. In the interim, three aircraft landed on the unchecked runway.
Investigation Challenges
The Polish State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) received two separate event reports: one at 19:10 UTC (event 415/15) and another at 19:34 UTC (event 416/15). Both were forwarded to the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PAŻP). During the investigation, only audio recordings for event 415/15 were secured—up to approximately 19:33:04 UTC—because it was mistakenly assumed that both reports pertained to the same incident. As a result, no recordings were obtained for event 416/15. This error was not detected during the investigation, leading to a lack of fundamental radio and telephone communication recordings for the later event. Consequently, event 416/15 was classified as an indeterminate potential incident based solely on the DOP's report.
Personnel and Qualifications
The tower controller on duty held a valid air traffic controller license with Aerodrome Control (ADI) and On-the-Job Training (OJT) endorsements, obtained in 2009 and 2013 respectively. All medical certificates and endorsements were current. The controller had completed a refresher course on hazardous situations from July 28 to August 1, 2014.
Missing Data and Cause
Due to the lack of essential recordings, the investigation could not determine certain parameters, including any ATM errors that may have occurred during the event, as well as statistical data required under ESARR 2. The probable cause of the incident was not established.
Preventive Actions
PAŻP's internal actions included corrective measures within its ATM/CNS Inspection Department to address the failure to secure recordings, but no further recommendations or safety actions were defined.
Safety Recommendations
No safety recommendations were issued by the PKBWL.