Accident Description
On 19 May 2021, a Cessna 152, registration SP-KSY, with a pilot and passenger departed from EPKN en route to EPML. At approximately 15:03, the pilot established radio contact with AFISO at EPML and received arrival information. The Cessna joined the left-hand circuit for runway 26L behind another aircraft.
Simultaneously, a PZL M-20 Mewa, registration SP-FME, occupied by an instructor and a student, taxied to the intersection of runways 17 and 26L. At 15:12:20, the Cessna pilot reported downwind and, during the third turn, observed the preceding aircraft landing and the Mewa waiting at the intersection.
The Mewa crew reported readiness to occupy runway 26L for a backtrack to the takeoff position. AFISO cleared the Mewa to occupy the runway, and the crew began taxiing on runway 26L. This decision was based on an incorrect assessment of the traffic situation; the Mewa did not have right-of-way over the approaching Cessna. The taxi from the intersection to the runway threshold and subsequent takeoff would have taken longer than the Cessna's approach.
AFISO did not verify that the Cessna pilot had heard and understood that the Mewa would occupy the runway. The Cessna pilot did not monitor the communication between AFISO and the Mewa and continued the approach. When reporting final, AFISO informed him that the Mewa was on the runway and suggested landing behind it if possible. This suggestion was inappropriate because landing on an occupied runway is prohibited, and no such exception was published for EPML.
The Cessna pilot later stated he saw the Mewa at approximately two-thirds of the runway length. He interpreted AFISO's message as a suggestion to land with maximum separation, so he extended flaps to 30°, reduced engine power, aimed for a touchdown closer to the threshold, and reported "short landing." The Cessna touched down approximately 150 to 250 meters from the threshold, while the Mewa was at mid-runway on the left side. After the landing rollout, the Cessna taxied on the right side of the runway, and the two aircraft passed each other. AFISO then directed the Cessna to taxi on the centerline and to contact by telephone.
The Cessna pilot later acknowledged that continuing the landing on an occupied runway was a mistake. The investigation noted that similar practices, such as taxiing in opposite directions on an active runway and landing on an occupied runway, may have been routine at EPML, which contravenes regulations.
Cause and Contributing Circumstances
The cause of the incident was the decision to continue the landing on an occupied runway. Contributing circumstances included: the Mewa occupying the runway without sufficient time to complete the backtrack and takeoff before the approaching aircraft; AFISO suggesting landing behind the aircraft on the runway instead of instructing a go-around; and the lack of taxiways at the runway ends at EPML, necessitating backtracks and reducing traffic flow.
Investigation Actions
The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) reviewed the report and accepted the findings. No preventive actions or safety recommendations were formulated.