What happened
On June 5, 2010, at 12:36 UTC, a near mid-air collision occurred within the Kraków TMA near Muchowce. A Boeing 757-200, operating flight AEI 419 from London Gatwick (LEGE) to Katowice (EPKT), was executing an approach to Katowice when the flight crew reported the presence of a glider at the same altitude of 5,500 feet, positioned approximately 700 to 1,000 meters to the left of the aircraft. The glider, an SZD-51-1 Junior, was observed by the Boeing crew to be performing a spiral maneuver. The aircraft's TCAS did not provide a warning, and the crew was unable to identify the glider's registration.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PAŻP), examined radar data from the PRANET system and reviewed communications between air traffic controllers and airfield personnel. Investigators found that while the Boeing 750-200, registration EI-IGC, had received clearance to descend to 4,000 feet, the glider was operating in the area without proper coordination.
Interviews with personnel at the Gliwice and Muchowce airfields revealed that the flight manager at Gliwice had authorized glider operations for the day. Glider pilots reported that they had requested permission to enter the Muchowce ATZ and were told the airspace was "correct" (prawidłowo). However, telephone records confirmed that no coordination had taken place between the Gliwice flight manager and the Kraków Approach (APP) controller regarding the opening of the Gliwice zone or the movement of gliders between the Gliwice and Muchowce ATZs.
Findings
- The flight manager at the Gliwice airfield authorized gliders to exit Class G airspace and enter Class C airspace without prior coordination or authorization from the appropriate air traffic control services.
- A dangerous close approach occurred between the Boeing 757-200 and the SZD-51-1 Junior due to inadequate separation, which failed to maintain safe aircraft separation.