What happened
On September 7, 2016, a student pilot was operating a Diamond DA-20 on a cross-country flight from Szymany (EPSY) to Dęblin (EPDE). The flight was planned at an altitude of 1,500 feet AMSL. While navigating the area between Tworki and Latowicz, the pilot received information from FIS Olsztyn regarding the activation of the MRT 01 airspace. In coordination with the air traffic information service, the pilot began a climb to 1,900 feet AMSL, reaching this altitude approximately 5 km west of Tworki.
During this climb, the DA-20 entered the MRT 01 airspace at 1,700 feet AMSL, where a formation of two MiG-29 fighter aircraft was operating. The aircraft crossed the path of the MiG-29 formation, resulting in a serious close proximity incident. The MiGs were flying at 1,300 feet AMSL. The MiG-29 flight leader reported seeing movement from an unidentified aircraft at close range, though the formation was unable to establish visual contact with the DA-20 due to sun glare. To avoid a collision, the MiG-29 formation was instructed to perform a 360-degree turn.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight planning, the pilot's adherence to active airspace restrictions, and the availability of updated airspace information. The investigation established that the MiG-29 operations were scheduled and documented in the Airspace Usage Plan (AUP) since the previous day, covering the area from ground level up to 1,800 feet AMSL.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a pilot error involving entry into airspace reserved for other traffic.
- The flight route was planned at an altitude that conflicted with the reserved airspace.
- The pilot failed to contact AMC Polska prior to the flight to obtain the updated Airspace Usage Plan (UUP).
- The MiG-29 crew was unable to maintain visual contact with the DA-20 due to sun glare.