Summary
On 25 July 2020, a serious incident occurred in TRA 45 involving two aircraft: a Cessna 150G (registration D-ECNI) and a Cessna 208B (registration SP-WAW). The Cessna 150G, operated privately, was conducting a training flight from Warsaw-Babice (EPBC) to Olsztyn-Mazury (EPSY). The Cessna 208B, operated by Aeroklub Warszawski, was performing a parachute drop flight. No injuries were sustained and no damage was reported.
Event Details
The Cessna 150G departed EPBC at 18:22 local time, planning a route at 2500 ft AMSL that crossed through TRA 45, an active area reserved for parachute operations from ground up to 2000 ft AMSL. At 18:36, approximately 2 NM from the southern edge of TRA 45, the pilot contacted FIS Olsztyn and inquired about activity in the Chrcynno area. The FIS informant advised that the zones were active and provided the frequency 122.205 MHz for Chrcynno Radio. The pilot acknowledged, but repeated an incorrect frequency (122.05 MHz), which the informant did not correct. The pilot stated he was unable to establish contact with Chrcynno Radio.
At 18:39, D-ECNI entered TRA 45 at about 1800 ft AMSL. Meanwhile, SP-WAW was climbing for a parachute drop, having contacted Warszawa Approach at 1500 ft AMSL and received clearance to climb to FL 140. Shortly before the closest approach, the approach controller advised SP-WAW of traffic to the southeast, approximately 1 NM away at 2000 ft AMSL. At 18:40, the two aircraft reached their closest point at approximately 2000 ft AMSL. The crew of SP-WAW estimated the vertical separation at 50 m; horizontal distance could not be precisely determined but was less than 1 NM based on radar display overlay. D-ECNI exited TRA 45 at 18:42 and reestablished contact with FIS Olsztyn. At 18:43, SP-WAW reported to FIS that they had passed an unknown traffic at 50 m distance within TRA 45.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the pilot of D-ECNI planned a route through active TRA 45 without proper analysis of airspace activity or coordination with the zone user. The pilot received the correct frequency but misheard it, and the FIS informant did not correct the error. The pilot entered the active zone without obtaining permission from the user. The crew of SP-WAW received traffic information from approach control, located the conflicting traffic, and continued while maintaining their own separation. The pilot of D-ECNI was unaware of the proximity to SP-WAW.
Cause
The cause of the event was the entry of aircraft D-ECNI into the active TRA 45 zone without obtaining permission from its user.