What happened
On June 11, 2020, a pilot was tasked with transporting a passenger on a flight route between Konstancin and Sochaczew. The initial departure was delayed due to a passing thunderstorm accompanied by lightning and heavy rain. Once the weather cleared, the pilot departed Konstancin at 22:15 UTC and arrived in Sochaczew at 22:52 UTC.
During the return leg, despite receiving warnings from Warsaw FIS regarding deteriorating weather conditions in the Warsaw area, the pilot departed Sochaczew at 23:15 UTC. Upon reaching the Warsaw-Okęcie CTR, the pilot was denied transit due to the worsening weather. To avoid the CTR, the pilot opted to fly around the southern perimeter, avoiding the Warsaw-Babice ATZ due to terrain obstacles. While near the Raszyn mast, horizontal visibility dropped to approximately 1,500 meters. Consequently, the pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing in an unprepared field in the Łazy area at 23:50 UTC. Following the landing, the pilot notified Warsaw FIS of a safe arrival and subsequently left the aircraft unattended.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined the flight parameters and weather conditions during the incident. The investigation focused on the flight altitude and compliance with VFR night regulations. The commission noted that the flight was conducted at altitudes between 600 and 700 ft AMSL during periods of declining visibility.
Findings
- The pilot conducted the flight at an altitude of 600-700 ft AMSL, which violated VFR night regulations requiring a minimum altitude of 300 m (1,000 ft) above the highest obstacle within an 8 km radius.
- Horizontal visibility had decreased to below 1,500 meters during the final phase of the flight.
- The decision to land was prompted by the inability to maintain required visibility and the need to avoid restricted airspace.