Event Description
At approximately 10:50 UTC, the tower controller at Bydgoszcz-Szwederowo Airport (EPBY) granted takeoff clearance for a Cessna 172 positioned at the holding point of runway 26. The pilot began taxiing to enter the runway. About 15 seconds later, the pilot of a Piper PA-42-720 Cheyenne 3 (PAY3) reported being on a three-mile final approach to the same runway. The controller then instructed the Cessna pilot to stop and backtrack along taxiway A. The Cessna eventually took off at 10:55 UTC.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the controller had continuously monitored the traffic situation. Before issuing the takeoff clearance, the controller assessed that the separation between the departing Cessna and the arriving PAY3 would be sufficient. However, after the PAY3 pilot's report, the controller reevaluated the situation considering three factors: the distance of the approaching aircraft (three nautical miles), the low taxi speed of the Cessna on taxiway A, and the extended distance from the holding point to the runway due to an offset required to avoid ILS signal interference. The controller concluded that these parameters did not guarantee a safe sequence and decided to cancel the takeoff clearance, directing the Cessna to return to the holding point.
The report noted that the PAY3 had a relatively high ground speed of approximately 190 knots on a five-mile final, which may have influenced the controller's perception of its distance changes. Additionally, the radar coverage at EPBY has limitations: aircraft below about 3,000 feet may not be displayed on the approach controller's radar screen, and small aircraft at several miles distance can be difficult to see visually from the tower. This lack of radar imagery for certain airspace was identified as a risk factor for similar events.
The investigation observed that the phraseology used was correct. The event did not meet the definition of a runway incursion according to relevant ICAO and national procedures.
No errors in air traffic management were identified. The controller's decision to stop the Cessna was deemed appropriate to ensure safe landing of the PAY3.
Conclusions
The investigation concluded that the event was not an air traffic incident. It was highlighted that in 2016 the airport planned to relocate the ILS glide path antenna for runway 08 to the north side, which would allow restoration of the standard holding point location and reduce operational risks.