What happened
On September 13, 2020, a student pilot was conducting a solo navigation flight as part of their Private Pilot License (PPL) training. While operating within the controlled airspace (CTR) of Katowice (EPKT), the pilot lost geographical orientation. The pilot contacted the Kraków Flight Information Service (FIS) to report the situation.
After determining the aircraft's exact position, the FIS controller provided the pilot with a magnetic heading designed to exit the Katowice CTR. Following these instructions, the pilot proceeded to Katowice Muchowiec Airport (EPKM), where the Cessna C-172, registration SP-AKT, landed safely without further incident.
The investigation
The PKBWL reviewed the final report submitted by the aircraft operator regarding the event. The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of situational awareness and the subsequent recovery of the aircraft's position through air traffic services.