Event Details
On 20 May 2016, a Cessna 150 aircraft operated by a flight training organization was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) training flight under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). The crew consisted of a 25-year-old male instructor holding a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL(A)) with instrument rating and flight instructor privileges, and a student pilot. The instructor had a total flight time of 926 hours 18 minutes, with 143 hours 12 minutes on type. The flight was conducted according to a filed flight plan.
Circumstances
During the flight, the crew altered the planned route and submitted a new flight plan via radio to the FIS Olsztyn air information service. The intended destination was point "EPMM R". Navigation was conducted using conventional methods: map, heading, and time. However, the aircraft deviated from the intended track and entered the MATZ EPMM near point "EPMM N" without the required clearance. The crew was subsequently instructed to contact EPMM TWR, which they did. The flight then returned to EPBC airport without further incident.
According to the instructor's statement, the exercise was intended to practice flying along an unplanned route. The student pilot lost geographic orientation while near EPMM airport. The instructor deliberately did not prompt the student to allow him to regain situational awareness. The instructor was aware of the aircraft's position throughout, and two-way communication was maintained.
Cause
The incident was caused by the student pilot's error in calculating the wind correction in flight, leading to the deviation from the intended track and unauthorized entry into controlled airspace.
Safety Actions
The investigation did not issue any safety recommendations.
Commentary
The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) noted that military aircraft in MATZ operate under filed flight plans. Although MATZ airspace is unclassified, it is subject to regulations equivalent to Class D controlled airspace. Additional active MATZ elements are published in the Airspace Use Plan (AUP).