What happened
On October 25, 2019, a Saab 340, registration SP-KPV, was operating a flight from Kraków (UKKK) to Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA). Due to weather conditions deteriorating below the required CAT II minimums, the aircraft was placed in a holding pattern over the LIMVI waypoint.
After approximately 40 minutes, an update in the ATIS information indicated improving weather conditions, prompting the crew to execute the LIMVI4U STAR procedure for runway 33. During the descent, the DIRECTOR air traffic controller informed the crew that the Runway Visual Range (RVR) was 300/250/280 meters. Upon establishing contact with Warsaw Tower, the crew received updated RVR information of 250/275/250 meters.
Despite the reported visibility, the crew continued the approach. The crew later testified that at an altitude of 190 feet, they could see six runway edge lights, suggesting a visibility of approximately 360 meters. The aircraft landed without further incident; however, the approach was conducted in violation of established regulations.