Unauthorized Ultralight Aircraft Incursion at Warsaw Chopin Airport

Casualties unknown • MATZ EPPW, PL

Four unidentified ultralight aircraft entered the Warsaw Chopin Airport control zone, crossing the approach path of a PZL M-28 performing circuit patterns.

What happened

On August 22, 2014, an air traffic controller at Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPPW) observed unauthorized aerial activity within the MATZ airspace. The controller identified four ultralight aircraft traveling from a northeasterly direction toward the southwest. This movement intersected the approach path for runway 28L at a distance of approximately 1 nautical mile from the runway threshold.

At the time of the incursion, a PZL M-28 was performing a standard circuit pattern within the same controlled airspace. To ensure safety, the air traffic controller immediately notified the pilot of the PZL M-28 regarding the presence of the unidentified aircraft. The pilot monitored the other aircraft in the vicinity and successfully maintained separation, completing the planned flight maneuvers without further incident.

The investigation

The PKBWL investigation focused on identifying the four ultralight aircraft and determining how they entered the controlled airspace. Despite the efforts of the commission, the identities of the other airspace users involved in the incursion could not be established.

Probable cause

The unauthorized entry into the controlled airspace was caused by navigation errors by the pilots of the ultralight aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2014-08-22 PZL M-28 accident near MATZ EPPW, PL?

Four unidentified ultralight aircraft entered the Warsaw Chopin Airport control zone, crossing the approach path of a PZL M-28 performing circuit patterns.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-08-22 involved a PZL M-28, at MATZ EPPW, PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The unauthorized entry into the controlled airspace was caused by navigation errors by the pilots of the ultralight aircraft.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2014-1470/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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