Event Overview
On 20 March 2023, at 06:31 UTC, three general aviation aircraft operated on a closed runway at Bucharest Băneasa Aurel Vlaicu International Airport (ICAO: LRBS). The runway, oriented 07/25, 3200 m long and 60 m wide, was closed by NOTAM A1039/23 from 06:30 to 10:00 for edge light maintenance.
Aircraft and Operations
The three aircraft involved were: YR-ZRN (C172, IFR, private operator), YR-MDW (C172, IFR, flight school SSAvC), and YR-CAA (technical calibration flight AACR). All had filed flight plans for departure from LRBS.
Sequence of Events
At approximately 06:00, the Deputy Airport Commander contacted TWR Băneasa to request access to the runway with the lighting team for detailed checks. He was asked to issue a NOTAM. At 06:19, he informed TWR that a NOTAM was issued effective from 06:30, but that YR-MDW and YR-CAA, which had filed flight plans, could safely depart before work began.
The TWR team supervisor coordinated with the Deputy Commander to allow the three aircraft to depart after the NOTAM became active, delaying the start of work. The NOTAM was not canceled; instead, it was agreed to postpone actual runway entry until after the last departure.
After the NOTAM became active, the start of work was further delayed following receipt of YR-CAA's flight plan at 06:34. The TWR supervisor and Deputy Commander dynamically coordinated, believing the aircraft could depart safely.
YR-ZRN departed at 06:31, YR-MDW at 06:46, and YR-CAA at 07:30. At 07:32, the Deputy Commander announced on the platform frequency that the runway was "officially occupied" for checks.
The crews of all three aircraft were not informed about the NOTAM closing the runway.
Findings
Air traffic controllers conducted operations without regard to the NOTAM validity period, erroneously believing the period could be modified if coordinated with the NOTAM originator. Controllers were aware of the airport's availability status and restrictions at the time.
Following the event, the involved controllers attended a one-day theoretical and practical training session covering relevant procedures, including NOTAM management. The event was also reviewed with all TWR Băneasa personnel.
The immediate safety actions taken after the event were considered effective for preventing similar situations.