What happened
On 15 May 2021, a Cirrus SR22, registration UR-ISA, was performing a return flight to the EPBC aerodrome. The crew, consisting of a pilot and a passenger, entered the aerodrome traffic circuit for runway 28. Upon approaching the third turn, the crew observed several slower aircraft ahead. To maintain separation, the crew decided to perform a circling maneuver in the third turn.
During this process, the UR-AISA crew closely followed an Aero AT-3, registration SP-RWG, which was conducting a training flight. While the UR-ISA crew believed they were maintaining a safe distance, the instructor in the SP-RWG noted the proximity was much closer than perceived.
As the flight continued toward the fourth turn, the UR-ISA crew encountered another Aero AT-3, registration SP-RWF, which was also on final approach. Shortly after both aircraft reported their intention to land on runway 28, the UR-ISA overtook the SP-RWF and landed below it. No injuries or aircraft damage were reported.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the flight maneuvers, radio communications, and the roles of the crew members. The investigation focused on why the UR-ISA pilot failed to maintain separation and why the crew did not react to the radio reports of the preceding aircraft. The inquiry also looked into the effectiveness of the flight coordinator's oversight and the impact of language barriers during the flight.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the loss of situational awareness by the UR-ISA pilot during the traffic circuit flight.
- The UR-ISA was traveling approximately 20-30 knots faster than the other aircraft in the circuit.
- The pilot-in-command of the UR-ISA lacked sufficient Polish language proficiency, and radio communications were instead handled by the passenger.
- The crew failed to properly monitor the Babice Radio frequency.
- The flight coordinator did not intervene despite receiving nearly simultaneous final approach reports from both aircraft.
- The specific geometry and urban constraints of the EPBC aerodrome traffic circuit limited the crew's ability to perform standard separation maneuvers.
Safety action
- The PKBWL issued a safety recommendation to the operator of the Warsaw-Babice (EPBC) aerodrome to update the AIP VFR Poland regulations. The recommendation specifies that the operator should clearly define which maneuvers are prohibited within the EPBC traffic circuits to prevent ambiguity and potential hazards.