What happened
On September 24, 2016, at approximately 13:30 LMT, two ultralight aircraft approached the Bielsko-Aleksandrowice (EPBA) aerodrome. At the time, the aerodrome was officially closed under a NOTAM to facilitate the Polish F3J RC Glider Model Championships.
The aircraft with registration SP-SYPT was diverted from its route between Zator and Świebodzito due to low cloud ceilings, intending to land at EPBA to check weather conditions. Simultaneously, an aircraft with registration I-8421 approached the airfield from the direction of Lake Żywiec.
During the approach, a helicopter that had received special permission to land was communicating landing conditions on the frequency. The chief judge of the competition attempted to use the radio to warn approaching pilots of the airfield closure, but the radio transmissions from the competition square were of poor quality and difficult to understand. While the pilots were performing their landing maneuvers, an RC glider model crashed near the runway. The pilot of SP-SYPT noticed the wreckage of the glider model on the ground following the landing roll. No injuries were reported to the crews of the aircraft.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the radio communications between the competition organizers and the approaching pilots, the validity of the NOTAM, and the flight paths of the involved aircraft. The investigation also reviewed the coordination between the aerodrome management and the competition organizers regarding the use of radio frequencies and the management of airspace during the event.
Findings
- The pilots of both aircraft did not familiarize themselves with the contents of the NOTAM closing the aerodrome.
- The quality of the radio communications originating from the RC modeling square was poor and difficult to understand.
- The pilot of the landing helicopter provided landing information despite the active closure of the field.
- The pilots were operating in Class G airspace and were not maintaining contact with Flight Information Service (FIS).
- The chief judge of the competition was not a qualified radio operator.