What happened
On 2HT May 2022, at Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA), a Boeing 737-800 (registration SP-LWF) and a Cessna 525 (registration T7-ACA) were involved in a ground collision. The incident occurred during a period of high traffic intensity, with a queue of aircraft forming for departure.
The Cessna 525 was taxiing toward the intersection of taxiways A3 and S3. Following the aircraft, the Boeing 737-800 was taxiing toward a holding point for runway 15. Due to a delay in the Boeing's departure, the ground controller granted the crew permission to taxi via taxiway A, under the assumption that the Cessna would quickly vacate the path. Shortly after this instruction, the controller transferred communication of the Cessna to the tower controller.
As aircraft ahead of them waited to enter the runway, the Cessna crew stopped at the intersection of TWY A3 and S3. The Boeing crew, following behind, continued straight on TWY A3. While the Boeing crew observed the Cessna, they incorrectly assessed that there was sufficient clearance to pass the aircraft. At 08:17:10 local time, the left wingtip of the Boeing 737-800 struck the tail of the Cessna 525.
Both aircraft sustained damage that rendered them unairworthy. There were no injuries to the occupants of either aircraft, and both crews were able to taxi to their designated aprons to shut down the engines.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined surface movement radar (SMR) imagery, which clearly showed the positions and sizes of both aircraft leading up to the impact. The investigation reviewed the ground controller's instructions and the communication handover between ground and tower control. The investigation also analyzed the crew's decision-making process regarding separation and the use of available radar data.