What happened
On March 3, 2018, at approximately 13:10 LMT, a flight instructor was conducting training flights following maneuvers performed at Warsaw-Babice airport. The crew planned to continue their training circuit at the Sochaczew aerodrome. Prior to the transit, the pilot contacted the Warsaw FIS (Flight Information Service) to verify the airspace status. After being informed that no other flights were scheduled and the airspace was clear, the pilot proceeded toward Sochaczew.
Upon approaching the destination, the crew established radio contact with Sochaczew Radio to announce their intention to perform training circuits. During the landing approach, the pilot observed obstacles and ground movement near the threshold of runway 29. Due to a lack of response from Sochaczew Radio, the pilot decided to land to personally inquire about the possibility of conducting flight operations.
The investigation
An investigation conducted by the operator's team established that after landing, the pilot consulted with personnel managing ground operations at the site. Through this consultation, the crew learned that flight operations at the Sochaczew aerodrome were prohibited without explicit permission from the landowner, which in this case is the Ministry of National Defence (MON).
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was improper flight preparation.
- The crew failed to secure the necessary authorizations from the military authorities prior to attempting operations at the restricted site.