What happened
On July 7, 2014, a Cessna 152 was conducting a flight from Suwałki to Grudziądz. During the transit, the aircraft was detected on radar by the air traffic controller at Modlin Airport (TWR EPMO) after entering the controlled airspace (CTR EPMO) without authorization.
Upon detecting the unauthorized entry, the controller attempted to identify the aircraft by coordinating with Olsztyn Flight Information Service (FIS) and Warsaw Approach (APP). When radio communication attempts failed, the Modlin controller utilized a signal lamp to issue instructions to the pilot. The pilot did not respond to either the radio transmissions or the light signals. The aircraft subsequently landed on runway 26 and taxied to the apron without ever establishing contact with air traffic control services.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the aircraft operator, examined the sequence of events leading to the unauthorized airspace penetration. The inquiry focused on the lack of communication between the crew and the control tower, as well as the pilot's failure to respond to visual signaling.
Findings
- The pilot experienced loss of geographical orientation during the flight.
- The pilot encountered problems operating the aircraft's onboard radio station, which prevented successful communication with air traffic services.