What happened
On 16 March 2018, an Airbus A330-200, registration C-GTSI, operated by Air Transat (wet leased to Smartwings), was on approach to Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA) from Krabi International Airport (VTSG). The flight was significantly delayed, having departed nearly three hours late due to an attempt to resolve an APU fault. Additionally, the aircraft had departed with the minimum required fuel to stay within maximum takeoff weight limits.
As the aircraft approached the Warsaw terminal area, the crew requested a shorter approach route, declaring minimum fuel due to low reserves. At the same time, air traffic controllers informed the crew that a delay was expected because of ongoing snow removal operations on the runway. During the subsequent communications, the crew failed to respond to multiple requests from ATC to confirm their remaining endurance (available flight time). Despite the crew's refusal to declare a formal emergency, they indicated that an emergency would occur if they were not cleared to land promptly. The aircraft eventually landed at EPWA at 15:53 UTC with 7.4 tons of fuel remaining, only 0.1 tons above the minimum diversion fuel requirement.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the flight's history, including the impact of the delayed departure and the increased fuel consumption caused by higher-than-planned headwinds. The investigators analyzed the crew's communications with ATC, the meteorological conditions at both the departure and destination airports, and the operational pressures faced by both the flight crew and the controllers. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's technical status, noting that the aircraft was operating with an inoperative APU and a defective cargo heating system.
Findings
- The flight was delayed by 2 hours and 50 minutes at departure.
- The aircraft took off with the minimum fuel required for the flight plan.
- Unexpectedly high headwinds during the flight increased total fuel consumption.
- Weather changes at the destination necessitated runway maintenance, causing arrival delays.
- The crew failed to respond to ATC inquiries regarding fuel endurance and provided imprecise answers to other queries.
- The crew was operating at the end of a long-duration flight (over 12 hours) and was likely experiencing fatigue and reduced perception.
- The crew acted under significant time pressure due to low fuel reserves and a desire to avoid a diversion to the alternate airport, Prague (LKPR), where weather was also deteriorating.