Incident Overview
On 2 March 2019, a Diamond DA42 aircraft with registration SP-TRL, operated by an unidentified operator, conducted a training flight from Warsaw-Babice (EPBC) to Lublin Airport (EPLB). The aircraft, carrying a pilot-instructor and a student pilot, was scheduled to perform several instrument approaches at EPLB. Prior to departure, the crew reviewed NOTAMs, including NOTAM 0812/19, which stated that EPLB would be closed from 1 March 18:00 UTC to 2 March 15:00 UTC.
During the flight, the crew received information from FIS Warsaw that EPLB was closed. They acknowledged this and stated their intention to conduct only training approaches (ILS and VOR). The crew reported hearing another aircraft's communication with FIS Warsaw indicating that aircraft had been landing at EPLB.
Sequence of Events
Upon arrival at EPLB, the DA42 executed several instrument approaches followed by low passes. One crew member expressed a need to land for physiological reasons. The crew stated they confirmed the runway was clear and safe, then landed on Runway 25 at approximately 09:06 LMT (UTC+1). After landing, they taxied to remote apron PPS 2.
At the time, the airport was closed to air traffic, but airport services were operating normally, including runway inspections and maintenance. During the DA42's approach, an airport wildlife control worker was on the approach area and requested to enter the runway. The duty officer, seeing no reported traffic, authorized entry. After entering the runway, the worker observed the DA42 had already landed and reported it. The duty officer dispatched a Follow-Me vehicle.
During the several-minute stop, the crew attended to physiological needs. Before the Follow-Me vehicle arrived, the DA42 began taxiing toward Runway 25. The wildlife control worker, assuming the aircraft intended to depart, vacated the runway to a safe distance. The DA42 then entered Runway 25 and took off at approximately 09:15 LMT. After departure, the crew conducted one or two training instrument approaches before returning to EPBC.
Airport Response
The unauthorized landing and presence of unknown persons in the restricted area prompted the Airport Security Service and Border Guard to respond. A bomb and pyrotechnic reconnaissance was conducted in the area of PPS 2 and the runway, but no prohibited items were found.
Cause and Contributing Factor
The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) determined the cause of the serious incident was the decision to land on a closed airport. A contributing factor was the physiological need of a crew member that required landing the aircraft.
Preventive Actions
The operator implemented several preventive actions: equipping aircraft with relief bags useful in such situations; developing a procedure for urgent situations requiring immediate landing (landing at the nearest available airport); and publishing a safety bulletin describing the impact of bodily limitations during flight, including situations forcing sudden unplanned landings.
No safety recommendations were formulated by the PKBWL.