Incident Overview
On 17 March 2023, a pilot holding a PPL(A) license with a valid SEP(L) rating prepared for a solo flight in a Czech Sport PS-28 "Cruiser" (registration SP-GBC) from Warsaw Babice (EPBC) to Piotrków Trybunalski (EPPT) and back, with the purpose of building flight hours.
Sequence of Events
After departure from EPBC, the pilot discovered that the GPS navigation receiver was inoperative. He continued the flight using a VFR aeronautical chart. The planned entry into the EPPT aerodrome traffic zone (ATZ) was via point "W" from the west. However, after passing point "K" of the EPLL aerodrome, the pilot changed the approach route to enter via point "N", located north of EPPT. This was the first time he approached EPPT through that point.
Upon reaching point "N", the pilot contacted the flight coordinator at EPPT for clearance to enter the ATZ. He was informed of the active runway, traffic in the circuit, and instructed to join a long final for Runway 21, with a requirement to report when on long final. However, while flying on a heading of approximately 190° toward the aerodrome, the pilot lost geographic orientation. When the flight coordinator asked about his distance from EPPT, the pilot replied he was about 3 nautical miles north, but did not state he could not see the airfield.
The flight coordinator observed the aircraft approaching from the north only when it was near the position of the third turn of the left-hand circuit for Runway 21. He then instructed that aircraft (not SP-GBC) to turn left onto final.
Meanwhile, the pilot of SP-GBC spotted the airfield and simultaneously noticed another aircraft, SP-LFK (a Tecnam P22008-JC), approaching on a converging course. To avoid a collision, he turned right onto a diverging heading. SP-LFK was conducting a training flight in the circuit, and the instructor on board took over controls and also executed an evasive maneuver. The two aircraft passed safely with a vertical separation of approximately 100 meters.
Subsequent Flight
Both flights continued as planned. The pilot of SP-GBC executed a touch-and-go landing and returned to EPBC via the originally planned route.
Findings and Causes
The investigation determined that the incident was caused by the pilot's loss of geographic orientation while operating in the ATZ during approach to EPPT, likely resulting from his decision to change the entry point into the zone.
Preventive Actions
The aviation training organization conducted the following preventive measures before the pilot's next cross-country flight: theoretical safety training, a check of theoretical knowledge, and a check of piloting technique. The aircraft SP-GBC was returned to service after replacement of the GPS receiver.
Recommendations
No safety recommendations were issued by the commission.