What happened
On March 2, 2019, a flight crew consisting of an instructor and a student pilot departed from Warsaw-Babice (EPBC) in a Diamond DA42, registration SP-TRL, for a training flight. The primary objective was to perform several instrument approaches to Lublin Airport (EPLB). Although a NOTAM was in effect stating that EPLB was closed for operations until 16:00 UTC on March 2, the crew received notification from FIS Warszawa that the airport was closed but proceeded with their approach intentions, noting they had heard other aircraft communicating with FIS Warszawa regarding landings at the same location.
Upon arriving at EPLB, the crew performed several instrument approaches ending in low approaches. During the maneuvers, a crew member reported a physiological need requiring a landing. The crew confirmed the runway was clear and landed on RWY 25 at approximately 09:06. The aircraft taxied to parking stand PPS 2. During this period, an animal and bird control worker was on the runway; the worker had entered the runway after the operational duty officer (DOPL) approved the request in the absence of reported aircraft movement. The worker observed the landing of the SP-TRL and notified the DOPL, who subsequently dispatched a Follow-Me vehicle.
While the crew attended to their physiological needs, the aircraft began taxiing back toward RWY 25 before the Follow-Me vehicle arrived. The worker, assuming the crew intended to depart, cleared the runway. The aircraft occupied RWY 25 and took off at approximately 09:15, completing one or two training approaches before returning to EPBC. The unauthorized landing and the presence of unauthorized personnel in the restricted area prompted responses from Airport Security and the Border Guard, including a mine and pyrotechnic sweep of the area, which found no prohibited items.
The investigation
The investigation examined the crew's awareness of the NOTAM, the communication between the crew and FIS Warszawa, the operational status of the airport during the closure, and the coordination between the airport's operational duty officer and the animal control personnel.