Take-Off Intersection Emerges as Primary Focus in Air Serbia E195 Accident Probe

Serbian authorities are intensifying their efforts to uncover how an Embraer 195, tasked with flying from Belgrade to Dusseldorf for Air Serbia, ended up colliding with airport infrastructure during takeoff. The focus is sharply on the instructions given by air traffic controllers regarding the runway intersection used for the departure on 18 February.

This E195, wet-leased from Greek carrier Marathon Airlines, encountered serious fuselage damage after striking lighting or antenna structures while taking off from runway 30L, necessitating an emergency return to Belgrade airport. The heart of the investigation led by Belgrade's higher public prosecutor’s office, in collaboration with the criminal police directorate, revolves around whether the crew was directed to take off from intersection D6 or D5. Notably, D6 offers a significantly longer available runway length of 2,349 meters, compared to D5's 1,273 meters, which could critically impact the takeoff safety margins.

Preliminary findings, pending official confirmation, suggest that the aircraft initiated its takeoff from D5, leading to an overrun and collision with several structures before it could ascend. This incident has spurred inquiries into whether the crew followed air traffic control's instructions or warnings and the broader circumstances of the accident.

A social media-circulated radio communication recording between Belgrade tower and the E195, identified by the callsign Air Serbia 86C, reveals an exchange that acknowledges the use of intersection D5 for takeoff, followed by the controller offering an option to reposition to D6 for more runway length. After the troubled takeoff, the crew requested to return to the airport, prompting immediate runway clearance by the control tower for their emergency landing and a subsequent visual inspection fly-by.

The prosecutor's office has tasked the police with delineating the events at this "critical moment" to pinpoint any accountable individuals. This investigation aims not only to piece together the accident's mechanics but also to evaluate the potential risk posed to the 106 passengers onboard. Fortunately, the aircraft managed to land safely without any injuries to passengers or crew, despite the significant damage incurred.

In the aftermath of this harrowing incident, Air Serbia has opted to discontinue its wet-lease agreement with Marathon Airlines, marking a decisive end to their partnership following the serious operational mishap.