What happened
On July 5, 2020, at Krosno Airport (EPKR), a PZL KR 03 Puchatek glider was performing a winch-assisted training flight. At approximately 10:10 local time, a pilot operating a jump aircraft notified the flight controller that parachutists were about to exit the aircraft. Shortly thereafter, the instructor in the glider issued a radio command to the winch operator to tension the tow rope, and the glider began its takeoff.
During the climb, at an altitude of approximately 100 meters, the ascending glider passed within roughly 50 meters of a descending parachutist. To avoid a collision, the parachutist was forced to make an abrupt change in their descent path. The glider did not alter its flight path, successfully released from the tow rope, and continued its flight. No injuries were reported, and no damage occurred to the aircraft.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the operational procedures at Kros and the coordination between the various parties involved in the airport's activities. The investigation reviewed the Krosno Airport Operating Instructions, which permit simultaneous parachuting and individual aircraft flights provided that two-way radio communication is maintained and non-participating aircraft remain clear of the parachutists' descent paths.
Investigators also assessed the effectiveness of the flight controller's position. It was determined that the controller, operating from the tower, could not maintain a full view of the airspace to the northeast of the airfield. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the division of responsibilities between the airport management and the Aeroklub Podkarpacki, noting a lack of clear distinction in competencies and a lack of effective cooperation between the entities.
Findings
- The instructor and the flight controller provided inadequate supervision of the training flights.
- The instructor issued the command to tension the tow rope immediately after the parachutists had exited the jump aircraft, without ensuring the airspace was clear.
- The flight controller failed to intervene or halt the glider's takeoff despite being aware of the ongoing parachuting operations.
- The flight controller's position in the tower prevented a complete visual observation of the airspace to the northeast.
- There was a failure to adhere to the Krosno Airport Operating Instructions.
- A lack of clearly defined responsabilities between the airport management and the Aeroklub contributed to the unsafe environment.