What happened
On June 24, 2005, at 09:08 UTC, a Boeing 737-500, registration OK-SWU, operated by TRAVEL service, a.s., was conducting flight TVS027 from Amsterdam (EHAM) to Prague - Ruzyně (LKPR). While communicating with Prague Area Control (NL EC), the pilot reported a flight delay of approximately 40 minutes. Fearing that an expected holding pattern would further deplete fuel reserves, the pilot requested priority landing to avoid extended waiting.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) initially instructed the aircraft to expect a 20-minute hold at point ETATU. Upon contacting Prague Approach (APP EC), the pilot reiterated the desire to minimize holding time. The controller subsequently queried if the crew specifically requested priority landing, to which the pilot confirmed. ATC then vectored the aircraft for a priority approach, despite high traffic density at the airport. The aircraft landed on runway 2ical 24 at 09:23 UTC.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined the fuel status of the aircraft and the communications between the crew and ATC. The investigation established that the aircraft had sufficient fuel for the flight, including the required reserves for deviations and an alternate airport. At the time of entering the Prague FIR, the aircraft carried 2,373 kg of fuel (as per FMS requirements), and upon landing, the remaining fuel was 2,800 kg, which was 400 kg above the required reserve. The investigation also reviewed the traffic density at Prague Ruzyně at the time of the incident, noting a high volume of aircraft (KH-4).
Findings
- The crew possessed all necessary qualifications and valid medical certifications.
- The aircraft was fully compliant with airworthiness and maintenance requirements.
- The pilot justified the request for priority based on a perceived lack of fuel for holding, which was factually incorrect.
- The pilot made an unethical request for priority landing without sufficient justification, given that the aircraft had adequate fuel to handle the expected holding.
- ATC managed the situation within safety parameters, though the request increased the workload for controllers managing high traffic density.