Incident Overview
On 26 April 2015, the crew of a Piper PA32 aircraft, operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) on a route from EPRZ (Rzeszów, Poland) to ESKN (Stockholm Skavsta, Sweden), entered the controlled airspace of Gdańsk Terminal Control Area (TMA EPGD) without authorization. The aircraft was observed as a primary radar target on the approach controller's display at Gdańsk Approach (APP Gdańsk). Despite the involvement of multiple air traffic service units, efforts to fully identify the aircraft and establish communication with the crew were unsuccessful.
Probable Cause
The Polish State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) determined that the probable cause of the incident was a crew error in flight route planning and failure to obtain clearance to enter controlled airspace.
Investigation Details
The investigation was supervised by Robert Ochwat, and the operator conducted the inquiry. No investigation team was appointed. The investigation concluded on 15 March 2016. The PKBWL did not issue any safety recommendations following the incident.