Incident Overview
On October 6, 2016, at approximately 19:30 UTC, an incident occurred at EPKT involving two aircraft: an ATR72 and a B-752. The Tower (TWR) controller had confirmed the ATR72 crew was ready for immediate departure and issued clearance to occupy runway 27. Simultaneously, the B-752 crew was instructed to continue their approach, with notification that a takeoff from runway 27 would occur prior to their landing.
Communication Disruption
At approximately 19:31 UTC, interference appeared on the TWR frequency of 129.250 MHz. This jamming prevented the controller from establishing communication with both the ATR72 crew waiting on runway 27 and the B-752 crew continuing its approach. The controller attempted to re-establish contact using the emergency frequency of 121.5 MHz.
Resolution and Outcome
After three calls on the emergency frequency, the ATR72 crew responded, confirming their instruction to hold on runway 27 and acknowledging the blocked TWR frequency. Concurrently, the controller instructed the B-752 crew to go around, which they executed. By approximately 19:37 UTC, the TWR frequency was restored. The ATR72 subsequently took off, and the B-752 landed safely at 19:44 UTC.
Investigation Findings
The investigation, supervised by Piotr Richter and conducted by DBZiI PAŻP, concluded on January 9, 2018. No injuries were reported among the personnel involved. The specific cause of the frequency jamming was not determined. The commission did not issue formal safety recommendations but advised that the collected materials be used for training purposes to prepare ATC personnel for similar future events.