What happened
On 9 May 2022, a pilot operating a Tecnam P2008-JC (registration SP-SMD) planned a flight from EPPO through several airspaces, including EPLS and EPOM, before returning to EPPO. Prior to departure, the pilot contacted FIS Poznań to verify current airspace restrictions. During the flight, the FIS officer provided the pilot with the QNH but instructed the pilot to "perform the flight as planned" without mentioning active military restricted areas (MRTs).
Simultaneously, a pair of F-16 aircraft was operating within the same sector. Unlike the Tecnam pilot, the F-16 crews were explicitly informed by the FIS officer of active MRTs and were advised to maintain a specific altitude.
At approximately 10:41 hrs, the F-16 aircraft, flying at roughly 1,160 ft AMSL and speeds of 400 kt, encountered the Tecnam P2008-JC near the village of Śmigiel. The Tecnam was flying at approximately 1,000 ft AMSL, placing it roughly 150 ft below the fighter jets. The pilot of the Tecnam reported spotting one of the jets at a distance of 500 meters and subsequently performed a right turn to avoid the collision.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the communications between the FIS Poznań controller and the various aircraft in the sector. The investigation established that while the FIS officer provided critical restriction updates to the Extra300 and F-16 crews, this information was not relayed to the Tecnam pilot. The investigation also noted that the FIS officer's attention was divided, as the assistant was engaged in a telephone conversation with another pilot and managing other traffic in the southern part of the sector at the time of the incident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the airprox was the FIS officer's failure to provide the Tecnam aircrew with information regarding active MRT activity on their flight route.
- The Tecnam pilot failed to properly analyze available data regarding airspace element activity.
- A contributing factor was the distraction of FIS personnel, who were engaged in radio communications with other aircraft and a telephone conversation shortly before the encounter.