Summary
On 25 October 2020, a serious incident occurred at Katowice Muchowiec Airport (EPKM) involving two aircraft: a Tecnam 2002 JF (registration SP-FCL) conducting training flights and a Socata Trinidad TB-20 (registration SP-GAS) arriving at the airport. The incident was investigated by the State Commission of Aircraft Accident Investigation (Państwowa Komisja Badania Wypadków Lotniczych).
Event Details
At around 14:30 local time, the pilot of the Socata Trinidad announced an approach to the airport. The Tecnam instructor, who was conducting circuit flights on runway 23 (left-hand pattern), provided traffic information to the Socata pilot. The Socata pilot stated that he would land on runway 05, the opposite direction to the active runway, because the sun was shining in his eyes on runway 23. The instructor pointed out that landing opposite to the active runway was contrary to standard traffic procedures, but the Socata pilot confirmed his intention.
A few minutes later, while the Tecnam was on the third turn of its circuit, the instructor observed the Socata approaching from the right at the same altitude and on a collision course (see diagram). The instructor executed a sudden climb, and after the Socata passed, landed safely on runway 23. The Socata pilot, after ensuring all other aircraft had landed, performed a landing on runway 05.
Cause and Contributing Factors
The investigation determined that the cause of the incident was pilot error by the Socata Trinidad TB-20 pilot, consisting of a lack of analysis of traffic information and poor observation of the airspace in which circuit flights were conducted. A contributing factor was poor visibility into the sun due to an inversion layer at flight altitude.
Aftermath
Following the incident, the pilots discussed the situation. Information about the event was shared with other pilots via the Aeroclub of Silesia's messaging system. No safety recommendations were issued by the commission.