What happened
On April 26, 2015, a Piper PA32 was conducting a VFR flight from EPRZ to ESKN when it entered the controlled airspace of the Gdańsk TMA. During the flight, the aircraft appeared on the radar of the Gdańsk APP approach service as a primary target. Despite the active efforts of various air traffic control authorities to identify the aircraft and establish radio communication with the crew, all attempts to contact the pilot were unsuccessful.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the unauthorized penetration of controlled airspace and the failure of air traffic services to establish contact with the aircraft. The investigation established that the aircraft was visible on radar as a primary echo, but the crew did not respond to any communication attempts from the controllers.
Findings
- The crew error in flight route planning was the primary cause of the incident.
- The aircraft entered the controlled airspace without obtaining the necessary clearance.