What happened
On March 17, 2023, a pilot operating a Czech Sport PS-28 “Cruiser”, registration SP-GBC, was conducting a solo flight for time-building purposes. The planned route was from Warsaw Babice (EPBC) to Piotrków Trybunalski (EPPT) and back to EPBC. Following takeoff from EPBC, the pilot discovered that the aircraft's GPS receiver was non-functional, necessitating navigation via VFR aeronautical charts.
While approaching the Piotrków Trybunalski (EPPT) aerodrome, the pilot decided to alter the planned entry point into the Aerodrome Traffic Zone (ATZ) from point "W" to point "N". This was the pilot's first time approaching the airfield via this specific point. Upon reaching point "N", the pilot contacted the EPPT air traffic controller to request entry into the ATZ. The controller informed the pilot of the active runway and traffic in the area, instructing the pilot to fly a long final for runway 2/1 and to report progress.
While flying on a heading of approximately 190 degrees toward the airfield, the pilot lost geographical orientation. When queried by the controller regarding distance from the aerodrome, the pilot incorrectly stated they were approximately 3 miles north, failing to mention that the airfield was not visible. The controller did not visually identify the SP-GBC until the aircraft was performing its third left turn on the circuit for runway 2/1. At that moment, the pilot of SP-GBC spotted the airfield and simultaneously identified another aircraft, a Tecnam P22008-JC, registration SP-LFK, approaching on a converging course. To avoid a collision, the pilot of SP-GBC executed a right turn onto a divergent course. The instructor in the SP-LFK also took control and performed an evasive maneuver. The two aircraft passed each other safely with a vertical separation of approximately 100 meters.
Findings
- The pilot of the SP-GBC experienced a loss of geographical orientation while operating within the ATZ.
- This disorientation was likely caused by the decision to change the established entry point into the traffic zone.
- The pilot failed to communicate the lack of visual contact with the airfield to the air traffic controller.