What happened
On February 27, 2018, at 08:54 UTC, an Airbus A320, registration SX-DNE, was performing an approach to runway 11 at Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA). During the approach, the Tower controller issued a command for the aircraft to execute a go-around. This decision was necessitated by the presence of an inspection vehicle, identified as Agent 84, which was occupying runway 11 to conduct a runway inspection.
The investigation
The investigation established that the runway was occupied by the duty driver of Agent 8 and was undergoing an inspection due to the discovery of significant concrete debris on the runway surface. The investigation examined the communication between the Tower (TWR), the Aerodrome Operations Department (DOPL), and the inspection vehicle. It was determined that the driver was focused on providing a detailed description of the concrete damage, which contributed to the prolonged occupation of the runway.
Findings
- The primary cause of the event was the occupation of runway 11 by the Agent 84 inspection vehicle.
- The urgent need to inspect the runway was driven by the presence of large pieces of concrete on the surface, posing a potential Foreign Object Debris (FOD) hazard.
- Communication difficulties occurred between the Tower, Aerodrome Operations, and the inspection vehicle due to high traffic volume and time constraints.
- The driver of the inspection vehicle prioritized the detailed reporting of the pavement damage over immediate runway clearance.
- Extended radio correspondence between the controller and the inspection vehicle on the Tower frequency delayed the issuance of an immediate order for the vehicle to vacate the runway.
Safety action
- The Head of the Warsaw Airport Control Department, in coordination with the Head of the Flight Safety Service at Chopin Airport, will develop standardized procedures regarding priority and critical runway inspections.
- The SMS Department Manager will forward the final report to the Safety Manager and the Head of the Flight Safety Service to improve operational processes and verify procedures regarding runway inspections and their closure by Aerodrome Operations.