Flight Details
On 22 May 2018, an instructor pilot and a student were conducting training flights at Łódź Lublinek Airport (EPLL) for a night flight qualification. The aircraft involved was a Cessna C-152, and the instructor held a Commercial Pilot License (CPL(A)). The flights were planned to conclude before 23:00 local time, when airport services and the control tower (TWR) were scheduled to cease operations. According to the instructor's statement, his watch indicated 22:54 just prior to the final flight. Despite the approaching deadline, the instructor decided to perform one more circuit pattern.
During the flight, while approaching the third turn for runway 25, the crew received a radio transmission informing them that the TWR had ended its work. Approximately three minutes later, the aircraft landed on runway 25 with the runway lights fully illuminated, without any further consequences. The instructor stated that during the radio communication, his watch had not yet reached 23:00. Both occupants were uninjured.
Investigation
The investigation was supervised by Krzysztof Miłkowski and conducted by the operator (user). No investigation team was assigned. The final report was issued on 14 May 2019.
Cause
The probable cause of the incident was identified as:
- Lack of time synchronization before the planned flights.
- Incorrect decision by the instructor to perform the last flight a few minutes before the airport's closing time.
Preventive Actions
Following the incident, the operator conducted training for the crew and flying personnel of the aero club regarding flight planning procedures.
Safety Recommendations
No safety recommendations were issued by the committee.