Incident Description
On 2 March 2016, an Airbus A321 was conducting a flight from UUDD (Moscow Domodedovo) to EGLL (London Heathrow). During the flight, the crew was instructed to switch from the GS sector frequency (132.700 MHz) to the BD sector frequency (134.225 MHz). After the frequency change, the crew failed to establish radio contact with air traffic control for a period of seven minutes. The loss of communication prompted controllers to call the crew on the emergency frequency 121.500 MHz, upon which the crew reestablished contact. Military services were also informed of the event.
Investigation
The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) examined the incident. The investigation focused on the crew's adherence to radio communication procedures.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the incident was determined to be an error by the crew of the Airbus A321 in complying with the rules of radio communication.