What happened
On July 5, 2020, at Krosno Airport (EPKR), a sequence of uncoordinated glider operations created a high-risk situation on the runway. The incident began when a PZL KR 03 Puchatek (Puchatek 1) departed for an emergency simulation maneuver, specifically a crosswind landing. During this period, a SZD 50 Puchacz was returning from a thermal flight and approached the runway at a very low altitude. The pilot of the SZD 50 Puchacz reported their position only three seconds before touchdown, during which time the aircraft's right wing touched the ground while correcting course.
As the SZD 50 Puchacz attempted to vacate the runway, the PZL KR 03 Puchatek (Puchatek 1) rolled down the runway in the opposite direction at significant speed. This was followed by a third glider, a Pirat, which flew at a low altitude very close to the still-moving PZL KR 03 Puchatek (Puchatek 1) just 30 seconds later. No injuries were reported, and no aircraft sustained damage.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined radio communications, airport surveillance footage, and the adherence to the Krosno Airport Operating Instructions. The investigation focused on the coordination between the flight controller at the glider square and the tower, as well as the monitoring of student pilots. The investigators also reviewed the positioning of aircraft on the runway, noting that a private PZL KR 03 Puchatek was positioned at the runway threshold, which could potentially obstruct landing approaches.
Findings
- The primary cause was inadequate supervision by the glider flight controller and instructors during training flights.
- There was a lack of coordination in radio communications, with flight controllers from different sectors frequently interrupting one another.
- Pilots failed to communicate critical intentions, such as the PZL KR 03 Puchatek (Puchatek 1) not announcing its crosswind landing and the SZD 50 Puchacz providing late position reports.
- The flight controller failed to monitor the approaching SZD 50 Puchacz or issue commands to the student pilot in the Pirat glider to maintain a safe altitude.
- The instructor in the PZL KR 03 Puchary (Puchatek 1) initiated the winch tensioning command without waiting for the landing skydiver to clear the area.
- The positioning of the glider square and the use of the runway edge for markings created a narrow neutral zone, increasing the risk of runway excursions.