Background
On 21 June 2020, the crew of a Piper PA-34-220T Seneca V, registration SP-TUE, was conducting instrument approaches to Runway 27 at the temporarily closed Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport (EPRZ). The airport was closed until 13:00 UTC, as per NOTAM, and the airspace above functioned as a RMZ. The aircraft had departed from the adjacent Rzeszów Airport (EPRJ). The flights were intended to conclude before the reopening of EPRZ.
Incident Description
During the final approach of the last planned approach, the crew performed a low pass over the entire length of Runway 27 at EPRZ at an altitude of 1–2 meters, ending at 13:00 UTC. No communication was established with the EPRZ tower controller. The low pass drew the attention of the controller, who was beginning his shift. At the time, a runway inspection may have been in progress before resuming operations. The controller was also communicating with an approaching commercial aircraft. Analysis by the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PAŻP) indicated that no separation minima were infringed and no hazardous traffic situation occurred.
After the low pass, already within the active CTR of EPRZ and without a filed flight plan, the aircraft performed one additional touch-and-go operation on Runway 26L at EPRJ, landing at 13:14 UTC. This approach and landing were conducted on frequency and in coordination with EPRZ tower.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the crew made an operational error by extending the flight time, which resulted in a violation of the activated controlled zone (CTR) of Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport.
Cause
The probable cause of the incident was the operational error of the flight crew in extending the flight time, leading to the violation of the activated controlled zone (CTR) of Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport (EPRZ).
Preventive Actions
The following preventive actions were taken by the aircraft operator: 1. The incident was discussed at a meeting of the Aviation Safety Council of the OKL (Polish Aeroclub). 2. Flying personnel of the OKL were briefed on the incident and reminded to comply with regulations for operations in controlled airspace.