What happened
On November 17, 2019, a pilot prepared for a training flight in a Schroeder “G” hot air balloon, registration SP-BDS, near Pobyłkowo Małe. During pre-flight preparations, the pilot assessed meteorological conditions and used helium balloons to determine wind direction, predicting a northward flight path toward Pułtusk.
During the flight, the wind direction shifted, causing the balloon to drift westward toward the Chrcynno landing field. While transiting this area, the balloon entered the active TRA 45 airspace, which was being used for parachute jumping operations. The pilot did not report the flight to the Olsztyn Flight Information Service (FIS) and maintained no radio communication with air traffic services or the airspace user.
Upon exiting the restricted area, the balloon landed safely in Krajęczyn. The pilot later stated they believed the TRA 45 zone was inactive due to soft ground conditions at the Chrcynno airfield, but failed to verify this before departure. Consequently, an aircraft was forced to hold its position and wait for the balloon to clear the zone before it could continue jumping operations.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined the pilot's pre-flight procedures, the communication logs between the balloon and air traffic services, and the verification of airspace status. The investigation focused on why the pilot entered the active training area without authorization and why no contact was established with the relevant authorities.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was inadequate flight preparation, specifically the pilot's failure to check whether the TRA 45 airspace was active.
- The pilot failed to establish radio communication with the user of the TRA 45 zone.
- A change in wind direction during the flight contributed to the unplanned flight path.
- The pilot relied on unverified information regarding the inactivity of the airfield due to ground conditions without confirming the actual status of the airspace.