What happened
On the afternoon of June 27, 2021, at Leszno/Strzyżewice airport (EPLS), simultaneous aircraft operations and skydiving activities were underway. Following the conclusion of skydiving operations, the local ATZ and TR36 zone were closed, though glider and paraglider activities continued using runway 05.
At approximately 20:30, an UL Alto, registration SP-SCHA, returned to the circuit after a one-hour flight. The pilot reported entering the second left-hand circuit pattern and subsequently informed the glider square that the aircraft was approaching the downwind position. Simultaneously, a Tecnam P2006T, registration SP-SMR, performing training flights, reported to the same position.
The crews of both aircraft failed to maintain visual contact. The pilot of SP-SCHA reported being on the straight, followed shortly by the crew of SP-SMR reporting the same. Despite the proximity, the crews remained unaware of each other's exact locations, evidenced by the pilot of SP-SCHA asking the other crew, "do you see me?". Unaware of the position of the UL Alto, the crew of the Tecnam P2006T decided to execute a missed approach. During this maneuver, the Tecnam P2006T flew at a low altitude directly over the SP-SCHA. The UL Alto completed its landing without further incident.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined the flight communications and the sequence of maneuvers performed by both crews within the circuit pattern. The investigation focused on the lack of visual separation and the communication between the two aircraft during the approach to the runway.