Casualties unknown

Air Traffic Separation Incident in Kraków TMA Involving Piper PA-32 and Airbus A-321 (SP-NRS / HA-LXT)

TMA Kraków, PL

On August 11, 2020, a Piper PA-32 / Airbus A-321 (registration SP-NRS / HA-LXT) was involved in an aviation accident near TMA Kraków, PL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure to account for the difference in aircraft performance, which resulted in the omission of the required coordination between air traffic control units. This summary draws on records from the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL).

Sourcesthe Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL)Primary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

On August 11, 2020, a separation minimums violation occurred in Kraków TMA between Piper PA-32 SP-NRS and Airbus A-321 HA-LXT. The investigation concluded that the incident resulted from a failure to coordinate due to differing aircraft performance.

Incident Overview and Regulatory Context On August 11, 2020, an aviation incident was recorded in the Kraków Terminal Maneuvering Area (TMA) involving a Piper PA-32 with registration SP-NRS and an Airbus A-321 with registration HA-LXT. The Polish State Commission for Aviation Accident Investigation (PKBWL) issued its decision on July 22, 2024, concluding the investigation. The commission emphasized that its mandate is strictly for accident prevention and that its findings do not determine liability or responsibility in judicial or administrative proceedings. The investigation was conducted under the Polish Aviation Law and relevant ministerial regulations, and the commission accepted the results of the final report from the investigating entity as sufficient to close the case.

Probable cause

Failure to account for the difference in aircraft performance, which resulted in the omission of the required coordination between air traffic control units.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Aug 2020 Piper PA-32 / Airbus A-321 accident near TMA Kraków, PL?

On August 11, 2020, a separation minimums violation occurred in Kraków TMA between Piper PA-32 SP-NRS and Airbus A-321 HA-LXT. The investigation concluded that the incident resulted from a failure to coordinate due to differing aircraft performance.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Aug 2020 involved a Piper PA-32 / Airbus A-321, registration SP-NRS / HA-LXT, at TMA Kraków, PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure to account for the difference in aircraft performance, which resulted in the omission of the required coordination between air traffic control units.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2020-2345/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.