What happened
On May 19, 2021, a pilot and passenger operating a Cessna 152, registration SP-KSY, were flying from EPKN to EPML. While performing a left-hand traffic pattern for runway 26L, the pilot observed another aircraft landing and a PZL M-2 and Mewa, registration SP-FME, taxiing toward the intersection of runway 17 and 26L.
The crew of the SP-FME requested permission to occupy runway 26L to backtrack for departure. The AFISO granted this request. However, the time required for the SP-FME to taxi to the threshold, take off, and clear the runway centerline would exceed the time remaining before the arrival of the SP-KSY.
The pilot of the SP-KSY did not notice the radio communications between the AFISO and the SP-FME crew and continued the approach. Upon reporting straight-in, the pilot was informed by the AFISO that the SP-FME was on the runway, with a suggestion to land behind it if possible. The pilot of the SP-KSY interpreted this as an instruction to maintain maximum separation and subsequently deployed 30° of flaps and reduced engine power to land short of the threshold. The landing occurred approximately 150–250 meters from the threshold, while the SP-FME was positioned near the middle of the runway.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the radio communications, the movements of both aircraft, and the airfield infrastructure at EPML. The investigation established that the SP-FME did not have priority over the arriving SP-KSY. Furthermore, the investigation found that the AFISO's suggestion to land behind an occupied runway was improper, as landing on an occupied runway is prohibited and no exception for this practice had been published for EPML.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the continuation of a landing on an occupied runway.
- The crew of the SP-FME occupied the runway despite insufficient time to complete the backtrack and takeoff before the arrival of the SP-KSY.
- The AFISO provided an improper instruction by suggesting the pilot land behind the occupying aircraft instead of instructing an approach abandonment.
- The lack of taxiways at the runway ends at EPML forces aircraft to taxi along the active runway, which significantly restricts traffic flow.
- Evidence suggested that landing on occupied runways and taxiing in opposite directions on the runway may have been a routine, albeit unauthorized, practice at this location.