What happened
On June 22, 2015, an incident occurred at Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA) involving an Embraer 170 taxiing toward parking stand number 4. While the aircraft was proceeding along taxiway ZB2, a fuel tanker operated by a ground handling agent crossed the aircraft's path. The movement of the vehicle forced the flight crew to reduce the aircraft's taxi speed to avoid a collision, although no emergency braking was required. There were no injuries to the crew or passengers.
The investigation
The investigation reviewed CCTV footage of the event. The monitoring records established that the tanker was traveling parallel to the taxiing aircraft and subsequently intersected its path. The driver failed to stop or exercise sufficient caution before crossing the taxiway, which constituted a violation of the airport's Instructions for Vehicle and Pedestrian Movement (INOP-IRPP).
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the failure to yield right-of-way to the taxiing aircraft.
- The driver's actions violated established safety protocols regarding vehicle movement on the maneuvering area.
- The driver's lack of due caution resulted in the unnecessary reduction of the aircraft's taxi speed.