What happened
On March 19, 2017, a Cessna Citation Excel (C56X), registration D-CAWM, operated by AEROWEST GMBH, was conducting a flight from Amsterdam (EHAM) to Rzeszów (EPRZ). While following the Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR) for Rzeszów, the pilot received instructions from the Rzeszów tower controller to proceed with an ILS Z approach to runway 27, with the requirement to report at the NDB BIA waypoint.
While at an altitude of 4,000 ft, the pilot executed a sharp left turn in an attempt to intercept the glidepath from above. This maneuver resulted in the aircraft descending to a level 1,200 ft higher than the standard descent path, which is normally established at 1,800 ft AMSL at the BIA waypoint. During this unauthorized maneuver, a Challenger CL60, registration 4X-CZI, was taxiing on runway 27 following a backtrack procedure.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight path of the D-CAWM and the instructions issued by the Rzeszów tower controller. The inquiry focused on the pilot's deviation from the established arrival procedure and the potential for runway incursions or conflicts with other traffic operating on the active runway.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the pilot's deviation from the published landing procedure for Rzeszów Airport.
- The pilot attempted to intercept the ILS glidepath from an altitude significantly higher than the prescribed descent profile.
- Atmospheric conditions at the time of the event had no impact on the occurrence.