What happened
On August 25, 2024, at the EPPT aerodrome in Piotrków Try andbunalski, a serious air proximity incident occurred during simultaneous glider and powered aircraft training operations. A student pilot flying an SZD-30 „Pirat” glider was performing the third left turn of the landing pattern for runway 21L. At approximately 12:10 LT, a Tecnam P2008-JC (registration SP-LFH) was positioned on the downwind leg, performing a simulated emergency landing.
As the glider continued its approach with airbrakes extended at an altitude of approximately 70 m AGL, the student pilot observed the Tecnam P2008-JC approaching the final approach axis. The aircraft was positioned roughly 20 m below the glider and proceeded to pass underneath it. The glider pilot reacted by closing the airbrakes and momentarily leveling the flight, which prevented a mid-air collision. Both the glider and the aircraft subsequently landed safely on their respective runways.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the actions of the flight controllers, the glider instructor, and the aircraft crew. The investigation established that while the flight controller had received radio confirmation from the aircraft crew regarding their intention to perform an emergency simulation, the controller failed to actively monitor the traffic within the circuit. Furthermore, the glider instructor, who was also acting as a deputy controller, failed to recognize the glider's entry into the circuit until the moment the aircraft passed beneath the glider. The pilot-instructor of the Tecnam P2008-JC did not observe the approaching glider at all.
Findings
- Lack of situational awareness by both the flight controller and the deputy controller, characterized by inadequate monitoring of aerodrome traffic and a failure to anticipate potential hazards.
- The decision by the aircraft instructor to execute an engine-out simulation without first ensuring the approach area was clear of other traffic.
- Excessive concentration of the aircraft crew on the technical task of the simulated engine failure, which led to a breakdown in visual scanning and improper distribution of attention.
Safety action
Following the incident, the organizing entity implemented several measures, including:
- Theoretical and practical training for flight controllers operating at EPPT.
- New procedures for flight organization, including a requirement for direct supervision of glider flights by a ground-based instructor during preparation and takeoff.
- A requirement for the presence of a glider instructor during thermal soaring flights, who must maintain radio communication with the flight controller.
- A mandatory requirement to report all intentions to perform simulated emergency landings to the flight controller.