What happened
On October 17, 2019, a Tecnam P2006T, registration SP-MMB, was performing student training flights in the aerodrome circuit at Warsaw-Babice (EPBC). The crew consisted of an instructor and a student pilot. During the flight, several other aircraft were also operating within the circuit.
While the Tecnam P2006T was positioned downwind, the crew of a Piper PA34, registration SP-CSL, reported a flight path from point PAPA toward point ZULU. As the Tecnam P2006T began its third turn, the crew observed the Piper PA34 entering the circuit without maintaining adequate separation. The instructor pilot of the Tecnam P2006T used the radio to alert the other crew, stating that the Piper PA34 was on a collision course and was attempting to force priority, thereby creating a hazard to air traffic.
Believing the Piper PA34 would delay its entry, the Tecnam P2006T crew continued their third turn. However, the Piper PA34, which was capable of higher speeds, overtook the Tecnam P2006T and proceeded toward the fourth turn. The Tecnam P2006T crew lost visual contact with the Piper PA34 until they reached the final approach. At that point, they observed the Piper PA34 directly ahead of them. The Tecnam P2006T crew estimated the separation distance to be approximately 30 meters, while the Piper PA34 crew estimated it at 100 meters. The incident was reported to the Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS).
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the flight paths, radio communications, and the traffic density at Warsaw-Babice at the time of the event. The investigation focused on the maneuvers performed by both crews and the operational environment of the EPBC circuit.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the improper assessment of traffic situations by the crew of the Piper PA34.
- A contributing factor was the high volume of aircraft in the aerodrome circuit, which made entering the established traffic pattern difficult.