What happened
On May 11, 2019, at approximately 13:15 local time, a serious incident occurred at the Nowy Targ (EPNT) aerodrome involving an SZD 50-3 Puchacz glider, registration SP-4015, and a Cessna 152 aircraft, registration SP-KER.
The glider pilot was returning from a thermal training flight and decided to land, intending to enter the third turn of the right-hand circuit. The pilot transmitted intentions to the flight director but did not receive a confirmation. Due to the need to maintain radio silence for an upcoming winch launch, the pilot did not attempt to re-establish contact.
Simultaneously, the Cessna 152, occupied by an instructor and a student pilot, was performing a training flight on the left-hand circuit. As the aircraft descended between the third and fourth turns, the glider approached the fourth turn of the right-hand circuit. The two aircraft encountered each other on conflicting courses. Both crews spotted the other at a distance of approximately 100 to 110 meters. To avoid a collision, the instructor in the Cessna 152 took control and executed an evasive maneuver to the left, while the glider pilot similarly turned left. The aircraft passed each other at a distance of approximately 25 meters.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation established that both crews were properly licensed and medically certified. The aircraft were airworthy and properly documented. Meteorological conditions were clear and suitable for VFR flight and did not contribute to the incident. The investigation focused on the lack of communication and the monitoring of the airfield traffic pattern.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was insufficient monitoring of the airspace by both the glider pilot and the aircraft crew.
- Both crews failed to adequately monitor radio communications.
- The glider pilot did not repeat the transmission after failing to receive acknowledgment from the flight director.
- The flight director's attention was momentarily diverted to managing a winch launch, which resulted in a lack of visual observation of the aircraft in the circuit.
Safety action
The flight organization's manager instructed instructors to emphasize the necessity of reporting entries into the circuit during pre-flight briefings. Furthermore, instructors were directed to repeat transmissions if no confirmation is received. The safety team noted that while radio silence during winch launches is recommended, it is not mandatory, and safety-critical communications must be transmitted immediately.