What happened
On September 27, 2016, at 09:09 UTC, a Piaggio P180 was performing its takeoff roll on runway 15 at Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA). During the acceleration phase, the pilot observed a bird moving on a course that presented a direct collision risk to the aircraft. In response to the immediate threat, the pilot executed a rejected takeoff and notified Warsaw Tower of the decision. After exiting the runway and taxiing to the parking apron, the crew performed a thorough inspection of the aircraft to check for any potential damage resulting from the near-miss. The inspection revealed no damage to the airframe.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the bird's presence on the runway and the effectiveness of existing wildlife management protocols. The investigation established that weather conditions at the time of the incident did not contribute to the event. The inquiry also reviewed the operator's subsequent actions and the airfield's wildlife control measures.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the presence of a bird on the aircraft's flight path.
- The pilot's timely decision to abort the takeoff prevented a potential strike.
Safety action
Following the incident, several preventive measures were implemented or intensified within the airport maneuvering area:
- Increased monitoring of the maneuvering area for bird activity.
- Enhanced inspections of the airport perimeter to identify and manage local pigeon populations.
- Deployment of additional live traps within the maneuvering area.
- Adjustments to the settings of the stationary BirdGard bird dispersal system.
- Continued monitoring of airfield fencing integrity.
- Implementation of rodent control measures near runways to reduce food sources for birds of prey and foxes.
- Removal of identified wildlife threats, including the documented capture of a young hare and the culling of animals posing a risk to flight safety.