Incident Details
On 8 May 2015, the crew of a Cessna 172 was conducting a planned flight from Warsaw Babice (EPBC) to Krakow Balice (EPKK). During the en-route phase, the Flight Information Service (FIS) Krakow controller handed off the aircraft to the Approach Control (APP) Krakow. After establishing radio communication, the APP controller instructed the crew to turn left to a heading of 150 degrees due to an active glider training zone (designated EA 110). According to Supplement 29/15 (ENR 5 AIP Poland), this zone was reserved for an international gliding championship.
Circumstances
Despite the controller's intervention, the aircraft's flight path continued along the boundary of the zone without maintaining adequate separation from its border. The aircraft was not cleared to enter the restricted area, and the deviation from the instructed heading resulted in a proximity violation.
Cause
The investigation determined that the violation of zone EA 110 was caused by insufficient preparation by the Cessna 172 pilot regarding active airspace elements along the planned route, as well as the failure of the FIS Krakow controller to provide earlier information about these restrictions.
Preventive Actions
Following the incident, the event was discussed with the flight training center's personnel, emphasizing the importance of thorough pre-flight analysis of airspace restrictions on the intended route. The collected material was also used during refresher training for the air traffic services of the national air navigation service provider. No safety recommendations were issued by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) upon completion of the investigation.