Factual Information
On 15 May 2021, a Cirrus SR22, registered UR-ISA, performed a return flight to EPBC aerodrome via VFR waypoints JULIETT and LIMA. The aircraft carried a pilot and a passenger who acted as a "safety pilot" and handled radio communications in Polish. The flight coordinator provided traffic information on Babice Radio frequency.
The UR-ISA entered the aerodrome traffic circuit for runway 28 at the second turn. Approaching the third turn, the crew observed several slower aircraft ahead, including an Aero AT-3 R100, SP-RWG, on a training flight. To maintain separation, the UR-ISA conducted a circling maneuver near the third turn. After completing the circling, the crew continued the circuit, believing they were at a safe distance ahead of the SP-RWG.
During the fourth turn, another AT-3 R100, registration SP-RWF, was also on a training flight. The SP-RWF crew reported their position on final approach for runway 28 around 14:05 UTC. Shortly after, the UR-ISA crew also reported being on final. The SP-RWF instructor then observed the UR-ISA flying below and landing on runway 28. The UR-ISA vacated the runway via taxiway A, and the SP-RWF landed and vacated via taxiway B. The SP-RWG landed last.
No injuries were reported among the four occupants across the aircraft. The aircraft were not damaged.
Analysis
The investigation determined that the UR-ISA overtook the SP-RWF on final approach. The probable cause was loss of situational awareness by the UR-ISA pilot during the flight along the aerodrome traffic circuit. Contributing factors included the UR-ISA's speed being approximately 20–30 knots higher than other aircraft, inappropriate airspace observation by the UR-ISA crew, the passenger conducting radio communications in Polish instead of the pilot-in-command who lacked language proficiency, incorrect monitoring of Babice Radio frequency, the flight coordinator's failure to react to almost simultaneous final approach reports, and limitations imposed by the shape of the EPBC circuit due to the urban surroundings.
Conclusion
The incident resulted from a combination of crew actions and operational circumstances. The investigation proposed one safety recommendation.
Credits: Based on final report by the State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL), Warsaw, 2022.