Beechcraft B-58 Baron incurs taxiway intersection at Gdansk Airport

Casualties unknown • Gdańsk (EPGD), PL

A pilot operating a Beechcraft B-58 Baron failed to follow taxi instructions, crossing a taxiway intersection and creating a potential conflict with a Boeing 737-800.

What happened

On May 3, 2017, at 16:45 UTC, a Beechcraft B-58 Baron, registration SP-MED, was preparing for departure from Gdansk Airport (EPGD). The pilot received taxi instructions to proceed from apron 1 via taxiway L-A and to hold short of taxiway N. Instead of following the assigned route, the pilot began taxiing through apron stands, which is a prohibited maneuver.

During this time, a Boeing 737-800, registration EI-FRN, was being pushed back from stand 20 and had been cleared to taxi via M-N-A-H to stand 11. The Air Traffic Controller (ATC) observed the SP-MED aircraft moving at a high speed and requested a position report. Upon being questioned, the pilot switched the communication language to Polish and incorrectly stated they were at the end of the apron, failing to accurately report their position on taxiway A.

The controller observed that the Beechcraft B-58 Baron had actually crossed the intersection of taxiways A and N, violating the previous instruction to hold short of N. To prevent a conflict, the controller immediately instructed the Boeing 737-800 to stop short of taxiway A. The controller then queried the pilot of SP-MED regarding their ability to turn around and return to A6. The pilot confirmed they could perform the maneuver and successfully returned to the correct taxiway, after which the Boeing 737-800 was cleared to continue its taxi.

Probable cause

The incident was caused by the pilot of the **SP-MED** failing to adhere to established taxi procedures.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2017-05-03 BE58 / B738 accident near Gdańsk (EPGD), PL?

A pilot operating a Beechcraft B-58 Baron failed to follow taxi instructions, crossing a taxiway intersection and creating a potential conflict with a Boeing 737-800.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2017-05-03 involved a BE58 / B738, registration SP-MED / EI-FRN, operated by b.d., at Gdańsk (EPGD), PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The incident was caused by the pilot of the **SP-MED** failing to adhere to established taxi procedures.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2017-0798/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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