What happened
On June 14, 2020, at approximately 17:00 LMT, a Tecnam P2008, registration SP-AKR, was performing a training flight at the Pobiednik airport (EPKP) near Krakow. The aircraft was executing a standard right-hand traffic pattern for runway 09. Simultaneously, a P2002 Sierra, registration OK-XUU-25, was arriving at the airport from the north, intending to join the traffic pattern.
During the maneuver, the instructor flying the SP-AKR observed the approaching OK-XUU-25 at a distance of approximately 100 meters. To prevent a collision, the instructor performed an abrupt descent during the first right-hand turn. The two aircraft passed each other at a distance of roughly 50 meters, with the OK-XUU-25 passing above the SP-AKR.
Following the near miss, the pilot of the OK-XUU-25 entered the pattern incorrectly, failing to follow the instructions provided by the SP-AKR crew regarding the established right-hand pattern. The pilot of the OK-XUU-25 also failed to maintain proper radio communication, eventually departing the area toward Kazimierza Mała.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation analyzed statements from both pilots and reviewed the applicable VFR aeronautical information (AIP) for EPKP. The investigation established that the technical condition of both aircraft was sound and all pilots held valid licenses. The investigators noted that the pilots' accounts of the event were inconsistent, particularly regarding the proximity of the aircraft. The investigation also examined the arrival procedures for aircraft approaching the EPKP traffic pattern from external locations.
Findings
- The pilot of the OK-XUU-25 failed to follow the established procedures for entering the traffic pattern.
- The pilot of the OK-XUU-25 did not adhere to traffic information provided via radio by the SP-AKR crew.
- Improper entry into the traffic pattern by the OK-XUU-25 was the primary cause of the incident.
- The pilot of the OK-XUU-25 experienced difficulty determining their geographic position due to flying directly into the sun.
- The arrival approach of the OK-XUU-25 was inconsistent with the published VFR procedures for the airport.