What happened
On November 29, 2016, at 22:22 local time, a KLM E170 operating a flight from Amsterdam to Kraków reported an incident involving a light source during its approach to runway 2L. While the aircraft was approximately 2.2 NM from the threshold of runway 25, the crew notified the Kraków (EPKK) tower controller that they had observed a green laser beam.
Following the report, the tower controller notified the Airport Duty Officer, who subsequently informed the Border Guard Commander at Balice. During a follow-up conversation with the Border Guard, the pilot clarified that while a laser beam was visible, the crew members were not personally blinded by the light. The pilot noted that the source of the light was seen near an illuminated train parked at a nearby railway station.
The investigation
The investigation focused on identifying the source of the light and determining if it posed a threat to aviation safety. Based on the pilot's observations, the Border Guard and the Airport Duty Officer estimated the source of the laser to be located near the Kraków-Mydlniki railway station.
Under existing regulations regarding the use of lasers and other light sources within controlled airspace, the identified area was determined to be within a protected zone for Kraków-Balice (EPKK), where such emissions are prohibited due to the potential risk to aircraft safety and the well-being of crew and passengers. The Border Guard notified the Kraków Provincial Police, who dispatched a patrol to the area, though the perpetrator was not identified.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the emission of a laser beam directed toward the aircraft.
- The light source was located within the established safety zone for the Kraków-Balice airport.