What happened
On June 26, 2015, a Boeing 737-800 departing from Bydgoszcz-Szwederowo (EPBY) entered the active TSA 08 airspace. During the departure, the flight crew was instructed by the Bydgoszcz Tower (TWR) controller to contact the GAT ACC sector. At the time of establishing contact with the area control center, the aircraft had already lost separation with the TSA 0SB zone. The GAT ACC controller, upon establishing communication with the crew, identified the airspace violation and ordered an immediate left turn to exit the restricted area as quickly as possible. The violation was subsequently reported to the operational air traffic controller (OAT ACC).
The investigation
The investigation examined the actions of the air traffic controllers involved and the coordination between the Bydgoszcz Tower and the GAT ACC sector. The investigation confirmed that the Bydgoszcz Tower controller held valid licenses and medical certifications. Similarly, the GAT ACC controller was fully qualified and up to date with all necessary training. The inquiry focused on the sequence of instructions provided to the crew and the communication between the different air traffic control units regarding the aircraft's deviation from its original flight plan to avoid weather.
Findings
- The Bydgoszcz Tower controller authorized the crew to deviate from their path to avoid clouds but failed to account for the active TSA 08C zone.
- The Tower controller did not inform the flight crew of the active restricted airspace.
- The Tower controller failed to notify the GAT ACC controller regarding the changed departure conditions and the crew's new flight path.
- The GAT ACC controller experienced a brief delay in issuing a heading change to avoid the restricted area, despite radar warnings indicating the encroachment.
- Errors in Air Traffic Management (ATM) coordination were the primary cause of the airspace violation.