Incident Overview
On 10 January 2016, at Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA), a De Havilland Canada Dash 8 (400) aircraft experienced a taxiway incursion after landing. The aircraft was taxiing behind a Follow Me vehicle via taxiway M3 to stand 42. During the turn from the taxiway onto the stand, a mulag tractor with attached stairs drove between the aircraft and the Follow Me vehicle, forcing the flight crew to stop the aircraft. Once the tractor had passed, the aircraft continued taxiing to its assigned stand.
Investigation Findings
Analysis of CCTV recordings confirmed the sequence of events. The incident occurred because the driver of the mulag tractor failed to comply with safety rules specified in the Warsaw Chopin Airport Vehicle and Pedestrian Movement Instruction, section 4.2.2.c, which states: "It is forbidden to occupy or cross the section between the aircraft stand and the Follow Me giving signals to it." The driver held a valid permit authorizing vehicle operation within the airport.
Cause
The cause of the incident was a human factor: the vehicle driver did not exercise due care in the maneuvering area and consequently failed to give way to a taxiing aircraft.
Preventive Measures
In response to the incident, the driver's permit to operate vehicles on airport premises was suspended, and the driver was directed to undergo retraining and re-examination. Additionally, modifications were made to training materials, instruction, and examinations for persons seeking permits to operate vehicles in the maneuvering area, with increased emphasis on the hazard of vehicles cutting in front of taxiing, pushed-back, or towed aircraft.
Safety Recommendations
No safety recommendations were formulated by the investigation commission.