What happened
On April 6, 2019, at 09:20 UTC, a pilot with 126 hours of total flight time was conducting a solo training flight in a Tecnam P2002JF under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) at Łódź Airport (EPLL). Upon reaching point Sierra, the pilot received instructions to enter a right-hand pattern for runway 07. Although the pilot correctly read back the instruction for runway 07, they mistakenly turned right into a left-hand pattern for runway 25.
While approaching the holding point for runway 25, the pilot observed another aircraft waiting for departure on that same runway. This visual cue led the pilot to subconsciously assume runway 25 was in use. The pilot subsequently contacted the tower, stating they were "before base," but failed to specify the direction of the pattern or the intended runway. This incomplete position report prevented the air traffic controller from identifying and correcting the error.
Upon noticing that the other aircraft was performing a downwind leg for runway 07, the pilot decided to execute a second circuit and a right-hand turn. This maneuver ensured that both aircraft maintained a safe distance from one another. The pilot then entered a left-hand pattern for runway 07 and completed a full landing.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's radio communications, the sequence of maneuvers, and the presence of other traffic in the vicinity. The investigators reviewed the recorded radio correspondence and analyzed the pilot's decision-making process during the encounter.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was pilot error regarding the execution of the airport traffic pattern by turning in the wrong direction.
- The presence of another aircraft waiting at the runway 25 holding point acted as a contributing factor by reinforcing the pilot's incorrect assumption about the active runway.
- The pilot's incomplete position report to the controller prevented the air traffic controller from intervening to correct the navigational error.