Incident Overview
On August 9, 2019, a Boeing 737-36N, registration LY-ELF, operated by GetJet Airlines, landed on Runway 33 at Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA) around 22:09 UTC. After vacating via taxiway S2, the flight crew did not comply with the issued taxi instruction and entered a closed section of taxiway Z1. Upon stopping the aircraft on Z1, passengers were deboarded and baggage unloaded. The aircraft's main landing gear had crossed a line of obstruction lights (configured 3x3) on taxiways ZO, Z, and ZB, causing damage to one of the lights.
Aircraft and Personnel Checks
Inspection of the aircraft revealed no damage to the main landing gear or the presence of foreign objects in the engines. Police attended the scene and conducted breathalyzer tests on the crew members; results were negative for alcohol.
Cause
The operator's investigation identified the primary cause as the crew's improper decision to continue taxiing without air traffic control clearance.
Contributing Factors
Two factors were noted:
- NOTAM 3595/19, issued on August 9, 2019, closed the intersection of taxiway Z and taxiway M from 21:30 UTC.
- The lighting of the closed taxiway was insufficient and misleading.
Preventive Actions
The airport operator (PP Porty Lotnicze) issued recommendations to cover directional signs and deactivate navigation lights leading to or within areas under construction or maintenance.
Safety Recommendations
The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) did not issue additional safety recommendations.