Loss of Radar Separation Between Boeing 737-800 and AN 28 in Warsaw FIR

Casualties unknown • FIR EPWW, PL

A loss of required radar separation occurred between a Boeing 737-800 and an AN 28 near the UTOLU waypoint due to air traffic management errors.

What happened

On May 7, 2015, a loss of radar separation occurred within the Warsaw Flight Information Region (FIR EPWW) near the UTOLU navigational waypoint. A Boeing 737-800 was descending from SUI toward EPLL, intending to land at FL 100. Simultaneously, an AN 28 was operating at FL 110 on a route between EPPW and EPDE, positioned approximately 8NM north of UTOLU.

As the Boeing 737-800 descended, the ACC radar controller observed its descent rate and decided to transfer the aircraft to the EPLL Tower frequency. The transfer occurred near the UTOLU waypoint while the aircraft was approaching FL 110. After passing UTOLU and under Tower control, the Boeing 73 and 800 began a left turn for its approach procedure and reduced its rate of descent as it crossed FL 110. This maneuver resulted in the radar separation between the two aircraft dropping to 6.7 NM, which was below the required minimum of 7 NM.

Probable cause

The loss of separation was caused by air traffic management errors, specifically the failure to monitor the decreasing distance between converging aircraft and the transfer of an aircraft to a new frequency without verifying its intended flight path.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-05-07 Boeing 737-800 / AN 28 accident near FIR EPWW, PL?

A loss of required radar separation occurred between a Boeing 737-800 and an AN 28 near the UTOLU waypoint due to air traffic management errors.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-05-07 involved a Boeing 737-800 / AN 28, at FIR EPWW, PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of separation was caused by air traffic management errors, specifically the failure to monitor the decreasing distance between converging aircraft and the transfer of an aircraft to a new frequency without verifying its intended flight path.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2015-0670/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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