What happened
On April 19, 2020, a Cessna 172 Skyhawk, registration SP-MMI, was conducting training flights in accordance with a pre-filed flight plan. During the flight, the crew maintained radio contact with FIS Warszawa. While the Łódź Airport (EPLL) controlled airspace (CTR) was not active according to NOTAMs, the pilot proceeded to enter the CTR via waypoints X, L, and Y.
Upon entering the airspace, the crew performed two low passes over runway 28 while remaining on the FIS Warszawa frequency. The flight continued toward Warsaw via waypoints S and R. After exiting the Łódź airport vicinity, FIS Warszawa informed the pilot that the Łódź airport duty officer requested that no further touch-and-go maneuvers be performed. The pilot acknowledged this request and informed the controller that the flight had already completed two low passes and was en route to Warsaw.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined the flight sequence and the pilot's adherence to airspace regulations. The investigation focused on the pilot's compliance with the active airspace status and the communication between the crew and air traffic services.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a pilot error during the pre-flight preparation process, specifically the failure to review the PAŻP-AUP (Airspace Use Plan) publication.
- This oversight led to the unauthorized entry into the Łódź Airport (EPLL) controlled airspace during the flight.