What happened
On May 10, 2017, an incident occurred at Warsaw Chopin Airport (AD EPWA) involving an E175 aircraft during taxi operations. While the aircraft was taxiing toward its parking stand, a ground service vehicle entered the aircraft's taxi path. In response to the obstruction, the Follow-Me coordinator activated the Emergency STOP button to halt the movement of the aircraft.
Following the intervention, the ground service vehicle cleared the path, allowing the aircraft to continue its taxiing maneuver and reach its designated parking position safely.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the movement of ground service equipment and the adherence to established taxiway protocols. The inquiry established that the aircraft's path was blocked by a vehicle operated by a ground service agent.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the failure of the ground service vehicle operator to follow established operational procedures.
- The emergency stop was successfully executed by the Follow-Me coordinator, preventing a potential collision.