What happened
On March 24, 2016, a TECNAM P2002JF, registration SP-TEY, operated by Smart Aviation, was conducting a VFR familiarization flight at approximately 1,500 feet AMSL. The pilot, a Turkish national holding a PPL(A) license with 120 total flight hours, was navigating the area near the intersection of the Poznań/Kobylnica CTR, TMA, and ATZ.
At approximately 14:47 UTC, the aircraft entered controlled airspace and flew near the ILS RWY 28 approach path at Poznań-Ławica (EPPO). The aircraft was observed by the Poznań Approach controller at a distance of approximately 8 to 9 NM from the runway threshold and at an altitude between 1,900 and 2,200 feet. This unauthorized entry placed the aircraft approximately 2 nautical miles and 700 feet below an Airbus A320 (callsign LLP8536) that was on approach to the same runway.
In response to the conflict, the controller instructed the A320 crew to execute a missed approach and maintain 3,000 feet. Simultaneously, the pilot of SP-TEY remained in contact with Poznań FIS, receiving instructions to descend to 1,500 feet and exit the CTR. The SP-TEY was subsequently observed descending and turning eastward to leave the controlled zone.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances that led to the unauthorized altitude increase and the subsequent airspace infringement. The inquiry examined the pilot's flight profile, the communication between the aircraft and air traffic services, and the pilot's familiarity with the local airspace regulations and terrain.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the unauthorized increase in flight altitude to over 2,000 feet.
- The pilot demonstrated insufficient knowledge of the Poznań-Ławica airport area.
- Contributing factors likely included meteorological conditions and pilot stress during the encounter.