What happened
On August 14, 2020, a student pilot was conducting a solo cross-country training flight in a Cessna 172N, registration SP-IDA, departing from Warsaw-Babice Airport (EPBC). During the final leg of the flight, traveling from Modlin (EPMO) toward EPBC via the LIMA and JULIETT VFR points, the pilot contacted Babice Radio and joined the third turn of the traffic pattern for runway 10R.
Upon reaching the straight-in approach, the student pilot observed another aircraft ahead, which appeared to be descending from point FOXTROT. The student pilot did not receive any prior traffic information regarding this aircraft. While the lead aircraft was initially higher, it began to descend, signaling an intention to land. Unsure if the preceding aircraft would perform a full stop or a low pass, and to maintain safety, the student pilot decided to execute a go-approach (go-around) via the grass runway 10L.
The flight instructor observing the approach also deemed the situation unsafe due to the preceding aircraft's position on the straight-in leg and ordered the student pilot to execute the go-around. Investigations later identified the preceding aircraft as a Cessna 152, registration SP-KFP. While the student pilot reported the encounter at approximately 11:40, the operator of the Cessna 152 stated their aircraft had been on the ground for ten minutes by that time, having completed its final training circuit between 11:25 and 11:30.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined flight logs and flight completion certificates, which showed the Cessna 152 had completed seven training circuits that day. The timing of the final circuit suggests the aircraft was performing a southern pattern. The investigation established that both the Cessna 172N and the Cessna 152 likely transitioned to the straight-in approach for runway 10 almost simultaneously.
Findings
- Inadequate airspace observation within the airport traffic pattern.
- Failure to communicate traffic information to the involved flight crews.