What happened
On May 22, 2016, an Embrałer E170 operated by PLL LOT S.A. was performing a scheduled flight from Amsterdam Schiphol to Warsaw Okęcie (EPWA). After receiving landing clearance, the flight crew received subsequent instructions from the Warsaw Tower (EPWA TWR) to vacate the runway via taxiway "A4" or taxiway "L".
Upon landing at 19:20 UTC, the crew began taxiing via taxiway "N1" toward the intersection of taxiways "N1" and "E2". During this maneuver, the aircraft taxied directly toward maintenance painters who were performing work at the intersection. The ground controller immediately issued an instruction to stop the aircraft. To prevent further confusion due to anticipated delays in frequency switching, the tower controller also instructed the crew to stop before taxiway "E". The maintenance personnel subsequently cleared the taxiway, and the crew continued taxiing once the paint had dried.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of communications between the tower and the flight crew, specifically examining the timing of the instructions provided during the final approach and landing phases. The inquiry also reviewed the crew's adherence to taxiway instructions and the operational environment regarding ground maintenance activities at the airport.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the issuance of instructions to vacate the runway during the final approach phase of the landing.
- The flight crew was mentally prepared to execute a standard post-landing maneuver typical for that specific runway at the airport, which led to the deviation from the specific instructions provided.
- The investigation noted that the final phase of approach requires high levels of concentration, and providing non-essential information during this period can be detrimental to safety.