What happened
On August 24, 2015, a hot air balloon, registration SP-BYR, was conducting a training flight near Kałdowo, Poland. The flight, operated by Aeroklub Koniński, was intended to practice landing site selection and approach procedures. The flight plan involved operating within G-class airspace at altitudes between ground level and 250 m AMSL, traveling in a 290º to 300º direction, with a planned landing near Sobowidz.
After the initial 6 km of the flight proceeded as planned, the wind shifted to a more southerly direction (320º–330º), pushing the balloon toward the southern boundary of the EPPR aerodrome control zone (MATZ). The instructor attempted to regain the original course by changing altitude; however, these efforts were constrained by the lower limit of the Gdańsk LTMA (1800 ft AMSL). As the balloon ascended, its ground speed increased, leading to an unauthorized entry into the EPPR MATZ.
Despite having a functional radio and a mobile phone, the crew failed to establish communication with FIS Gdańsk sector or the EPPR air traffic services. Due to increasing thermal activity and terrain that was deemed unsuitable for a safe landing, the instructor decided to divert to the EPPR aerodrome. The balloon landed on the grass area near runways E and D at 09:07 LCT.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances leading to the unauthorized entry into controlled airspace. The inquiry examined the flight's navigation, the impact of changing wind conditions, and the crew's failure to establish radio contact with the appropriate air traffic control services prior to entering the control zone.