Incident Overview
On June 14, 2020, at approximately 17:00 local time (15:00 UTC), a serious incident occurred at Pobiednik Airport (EPKP) near Krakow, Poland. Two aircraft – a Tecnam P2008 registered SP-AKR and a P2002 Sierra ultralight registered OK-XUU-25 – came into close proximity while in the airport traffic circuit. No injuries were reported, and neither aircraft sustained damage.
Aircraft and Crew
The Tecnam P2008 (SP-AKR) was operated by Aeroklub Krakowski and was conducting training flights with a 36-year-old instructor pilot holding a CPL(A) license with SEP(L) and FI(A) ratings, and approximately 2000 total flight hours. The P2002 Sierra (OK-XUU-25) was privately operated by a 63-year-old pilot with a Czech ultralight pilot license (Pilotni Průkaz) and 1085 hours on ultralight aircraft.
Sequence of Events
The SP-AKR was flying a right-hand traffic circuit for runway 09. At about 17:00, while on final approach, the crew received a radio call from the OK-XUU-25 pilot, who announced his arrival from the north and intent to join a left-hand circuit. The SP-AKR instructor corrected him, advising that a right-hand circuit was in use and suggested he report when downwind for runway 09.
After a touch-and-go, the SP-AKR climbed and initiated a right turn to crosswind. Near the end of the turn, the instructor spotted the OK-XUU-25 approaching from the opposite direction at about 100 meters, on a collision course at similar altitude. The SP-AKR executed an evasive maneuver – a sharp right turn with descent – passing approximately 50 meters below the OK-XUU-25.
The OK-XUU-25 pilot then made a 180-degree left turn, departed to the south, and later re-entered the circuit obliquely. The SP-AKR continued with a left orbit and resumed its downwind leg. Radio communication continued, with the SP-AKR instructor stating he was number one for approach. The OK-XUU-25 replied that he was on final, but the instructor pointed out he was actually on a base leg. An exchange of radio messages followed, including uncivil language from the OK-XUU-25 pilot, who then elected to return to Kazimierza Mała without landing at EPKP.
Analysis
The investigation relied on pilot statements, as no flight data recorders or radio transcripts were available. The manner in which the OK-XUU-25 joined the circuit was improper, deviating from published VFR procedures for EPKP. The pilot failed to integrate safely with existing traffic, did not communicate his position effectively, and did not respond to traffic information provided by the SP-AKR crew. These circumstances led to the dangerous close encounter.
Conclusions
The incident highlighted the importance of proper radio communication and adherence to traffic circuit procedures at non-controlled aerodromes. The OK-XUU-25 pilot's actions were inconsistent with the right-of-way rules and good airmanship.