In a recent meeting of the Moses Lake City Council, a local airport commissioner raised serious safety concerns regarding unauthorized vehicle access at the Moses Lake Municipal Airport. Matt Davis, a lifelong resident and private pilot, detailed a troubling incident that occurred on September 9, when he observed a white sedan parked on an active runway during his landing approach.

Davis reported that the vehicle, which was unmarked and operated by individuals wearing safety vests, crossed an active runway without any prior notification to airport commissioners or pilots. He emphasized that there were no Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued to alert pilots of potential hazards, a critical safety protocol that was overlooked.

The situation escalated when Davis learned that the vehicle's occupants were contractors hired by the City of Moses Lake to conduct crack sealing work at the airport on a Sunday, without informing the airport commission. This lack of communication and adherence to safety procedures could have led to a catastrophic accident, Davis warned.

During the meeting, council members acknowledged the gravity of the situation. Councilman Lombardi clarified that the contractors were sent by the state, not city staff, and discussed potential measures to enhance airport security, including improved signage and surveillance.

Davis concluded his remarks by calling for better adherence to safety protocols to prevent future incidents, stressing the importance of communication and procedural compliance in ensuring the safety of all airport operations. The council's response indicates a commitment to addressing these concerns and improving safety measures at the airport.