What happened
On June 19, 2015, a formation of three AT-3 aircraft approached Lublin Airport (EPLB). The lead aircraft, registration GLGOC, initially coordinated with the tower controller to enter the controlled airspace via point T for a right-hand pattern on runway 25. Although the pilot initially indicated that the aircraft would land individually, the lead pilot later requested to land in formation.
The air traffic controller denied the request for formation landing, leading to a verbal dispute between the pilot and the controller. During the subsequent approach, the second aircraft (SPTPC) and third aircraft (SPICY) failed to maintain adequate separation from the lead aircraft. The pilot of GLGOC reported vacating the runway while still physically occupying it. Furthermore, the pilot of SPTPC followed the lead aircraft onto the apron without waiting for the required "Follow me" vehicle, and the pilot of SPICY performed a go-around, passing very close to the aircraft on final approach.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined radio and telephone communications, as well as ground operations at the airport. The investigation established that a change in air traffic controllers occurred during the sequence of events. The investigation also reviewed the controller's adherence to SERA.3135 regulations regarding group flights and noted that the flight group had entered the controlled airspace without the prior telephone coordination required by NOTAM E3834/15.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was errors in Air Traffic Management (ATM) operations.
- The controller denied the formation landing request without applying the specific provisions of SERA.3015 regarding group flights.
- The pilots of the following aircraft (SPTPC and SPICY) did not maintain sufficient distance from the lead aircraft during the landing sequence.
- The lead pilot of GLGOC failed to follow all instructions from the ground controller when taxiing to the apron.
- The pilot of SPTPC proceeded to the apron without waiting for the "Follow me" vehicle.
- The flight group failed to comply with the requirements of NOTAM E3834/15, which mandated prior coordination with the airport operations center for the arrival of the three-aircraft formation.