What happened
On August 2, 2024, at Nowy Targ Airport (EPNT), simultaneous aircraft operations and skydiving activities were underway using Runway 30. During the preparations for takeoff, a Cessna 152, registration SP-KER, began its takeoff roll from the threshold of Runway 30 after receiving clearance from the Flight Director (KL).
At approximately 09:45 LMT, a PAC-750XL, registration SP-NTS, was taxiing from Taxiway A onto Runway 30. The pilot of the PAC-750XL proceeded to taxi along the northern edge of the runway toward the takeoff position. Although the Flight Director instructed the crew of the Cessna 152 to exercise caution due to the taxiing aircraft, the pilot of the PAC-750XL declared they would move off the runway, a maneuver they did not complete. The two aircraft passed each other in opposite directions at a distance of approximately 30 meters.
The investigation
The investigation examined the ground movement procedures at EPNT, the communication between the aircraft and the Flight Director, and the airport infrastructure. The inquiry focused on the taxiing patterns used during simultaneous flight and skydiving operations and the adequacy of existing taxiway access to Runway 30.
Findings
Several contributing factors led to this serious incident:
- The airport infrastructure relies on a single taxiway for Runway 30, forcing aircraft to taxi along the active runway to reach takeoff positions.
- The pilot of the PAC-750XL entered the runway without establishing prior communication with the Flight Director.
- The Flight Director did not anticipate that the taxiing aircraft would remain on the runway during the departure of another aircraft.
- The practice of conducting takeoffs on an 80-meter wide runway while another aircraft is traversing the runway edge increases risk.
- There was an inadequate assessment of the collision risk should the departing aircraft have experienced a loss of directional control.
Safety action
Following the incident, several preventive measures were implemented, including the suspension of flight operations on the day of the event for a safety briefing with all participants. Training was conducted for Flight Directors, instructors, and operators regarding maneuver area safety. Additionally, plans were initiated to design and study the construction of additional taxiways providing direct access to the Runway 30 threshold, and airport operating instructions (INOP) were updated to clarify ground movement procedures.