Summary
On October 24, 2021, an incident occurred at Depułtycze Królewskie airfield (EPCD) involving two Cessna 152 aircraft (registration SP-DCM and SP-KCD) and an AT-3 aircraft. The SP-DCM was crewed by an instructor pilot with a CPL(A) license and a student with a PPL(A) license. The SP-KCD was flown by a student holding a CPL(A) license. The AT-3 was joining the left-hand traffic pattern for runway 36R. The flight director was managing traffic.
Incident Details
During the flight operations, the two Cessna 152s were in the right-hand traffic pattern for runway 36R, with SP-DCM ahead of SP-KCD on the downwind leg. The AT-3 was joining the left-hand pattern for the same runway. The crew of SP-DCM extended their downwind leg and delayed the base turn. The student in SP-KCD executed the base turn at the standard location. The flight director instructed that SP-DCM would land first, followed by the joining AT-3. The student in SP-KCD asked if he should orbit during the final turn but did not hear a response and continued the pattern. The flight director attempted to contact SP-KCD but could not establish communication due to issues with the stationary radio, switching to a portable radio.
At approximately 16:20 LMT, the crew of SP-DCM reported position on final approach and were informed the runway was clear. Shortly after, the student in SP-KCD reported position in the final turn. The SP-DCM crew observed SP-KCD descending about 20 meters above and slightly to the right. The instructor pilot of SP-DCM took control, radioed that he was observing SP-KCD overhead, announced a go-around, then descended while turning right and climbed at a safe distance. The student in SP-KCD saw SP-DCM below him at close range during the go-around maneuver. SP-KCD continued its approach and landed via a low approach (convoyeur). After landing, both crews reported that radio communication was intermittently weak and unclear. Inspection revealed damage to the stationary radio used by the flight director.
Causes and Contributing Factors
The incident was attributed to the following causes:
- Loss of visual contact with the preceding aircraft near the third turn of the traffic pattern.
- Improper analysis of traffic in the airport area.
Contributing factors included:
- The student in SP-KCD executing the third turn at a different location than the preceding aircraft.
- Damage to the stationary radio used by the flight director, affecting the clarity of transmitted information.
Aftermath
Following the incident, the investigating entity implemented preventive actions: the event was discussed with all personnel, and knowledge regarding the construction and parameters of traffic pattern flight was refreshed. No safety recommendations were formulated.