What happened
On November 25, 2015, a Zlin-143 aircraft, operated for training purposes, was conducting a flight sequence starting from Piotrków Trybunalski. The crew, consisting of an instructor and a student pilot, intended to fly to the "LOZ" VOR, perform four ILS approaches at EPLL (Kraków), and subsequently depart for EPDE.
After departing from EPPT and exiting the local traffic zone, the crew established radio contact with the Warsaw Information service. Following instructions, they were directed to report their position directly to the Kraków Tower (TWR EPLL). Upon establishing contact with the Kraków air traffic controller, it was determined that the aircraft had entered the controlled airspace without prior authorization. The controller subsequently instructed the crew to turn immediately and proceed toward the "GOGUS" waypoint.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances leading to the unauthorized entry into the controlled airspace of the Kraków TMA. The inquiry examined the sequence of radio communications between the crew, Warsaw Information, and Kraków Tower, as well as the timing of the aircraft's entry into the controlled zone.
Findings
- The primary cause of the unauthorized entry into the EPLL TMA was the delayed establishment of radio contact with the Kraków tower.
- Because communication was not established in a timely manner, the crew was unable to obtain the necessary prior clearance to enter the controlled airspace.