What happened
On August 9, 2019, at approximately 22:09Z, a Boeing 737-36N, registration LY-ELF, operated by GetJet Airlines, landed at Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA). Following the landing, the crew vacated runway 33 via taxiway S2. However, the crew failed to follow air traffic control instructions and proceeded onto a closed section of taxiway Z1.
After the aircraft came to a halt on the closed taxiway, passengers were disembarked and baggage was unloaded. During this process, the aircraft's main landing gear crossed the line of obstacle lights configured in a 3x3 arrangement, resulting in the damage of one light. An inspection of the aircraft revealed no damage to the main landing gear or the presence of foreign objects in the engines. Police testing of the crew for alcohol yielded negative results.
The investigation
The investigation examined the movement of the aircraft following its landing and the status of the taxiway at the time of the incident. The investigation noted that a NOTAM had been issued on the day of the event, closing the intersection of taxiways Z and M starting at 21:30Z.
Findings
- The primary cause was the crew's improper decision to continue taxiing without authorization from air traffic control.
- Inadequate and misleading navigational lighting on the closed taxiway contributed to the incident.
- A NOTAM regarding the closure of the taxiway intersection had been active prior to the event.
Safety action
Following the incident, Warsaw Chopin Airport (PP Porty Lotnicze) implemented recommendations to cover directional signs and turn off navigational lights leading to or located within areas undergoing renovation or construction work.