What happened
On June 28, 2015, an incident occurred at Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA) involving the movement of airport service vehicles. According to reports from the Warsaw Tower (TWR EPWA) air traffic control unit, service crews operating on behalf of the airport manager entered the intersection of active taxiways A4 and E1. This movement was performed in an uncoordinated manner, occupying the active part of the maneuvering area without the necessary clearance.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation focused on the communication and authorization process between the airport service personnel and the air traffic control services. The investigation established that the service vehicles occupied the intersection of the active taxiways without having secured the required permission from the appropriate air traffic control authority.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the failure to coordinate and obtain authorization from the relevant air traffic control authority before entering the active portion of the airport maneuvering area.
- The service vehicles entered the intersection of taxiways A4 and E1 without following established protocols for movement on active taxiways.