What happened
On March 31, 2020, a pilot was performing circuit training at the Grądy (EPGY) aerodrome. The flight operations commenced at approximately 07:08 UTC. During the training session, the aircraft entered the active EPTS02D airspace zone, which spans from ground level up to FL415.
Flight Information Service (FIS) personnel were unable to establish radio contact with the pilot. After failing to reach the aircraft via radio, the FIS notified the manager of the Grądy aerodrome by telephone. Contact with the pilot was eventually established via telephone at approximately 08:29 UTC, at which point the training flights were terminated.
The investigation
The investigation focused on why the pilot entered the restricted airspace and why radio communication could not be maintained between the pilot and the FIS services. The investigation examined the pilot's pre-flight procedures and the equipment used during the flight.
Findings
- The primary cause of the airspace infringement was a pilot error during the pre-flight preparation phase, specifically the failure to review the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PAŻP) Aeronautical Update Publication (AUP).
- Contributing factors included the pilot's use of new headphones, which, combined with the volume potentiometer being turned to the minimum setting, hindered the ability to monitor communications.