What happened
On August 4, 2024, an Extra 300 aircraft, registration SP-KYK, was performing a flight from Kętrzyn-Wilamowo to Poznań-Kobylnica. During the flight, the pilot contacted FIS Gdańsk to inquire about glider activity in the area after observing several gliders. At approximately 13:03 LMT, while traversing the area near Nowe Miasto Lubawskie, the pilot encountered a group of gliders circling. The pilot reported that the aircraft were observed only upon passing over them, at a distance of approximately 10 to 30 meters.
While the pilot was communicating with air traffic services, FIS Gdańsk and FIS Warszawa were attempting to verify glider activity in the sectors. Despite the high volume of glider traffic in the area, the Extra 300 was able to land at its destination without further incident.
The investigation
The investigation examined the coordination between the airspace management unit (ASM-3) and Flight Information Services (FIS). The investigation reviewed the publication of aeronautical information in the AIP Supplements and the effectiveness of the electronic systems used to monitor and communicate airspace activity. The inquiry also looked into the structural design of the aircraft and the pilot's pre-flight preparation.
Findings
- The pilot failed to confirm glider activity along the planned route during the pre-flight preparation stage.
- The pilot did not maintain adequate "see and avoid" observations after realizing gliders were present in the G2 class airspace.
- The structural design of the Extra 300 cockpit hindered effective observation of the airspace immediately above and below the aircraft.
- There was a lack of communication between ASM-3 and FIS, as no procedure existed for ASM-3 to notify FIS of glider activity, resulting in FIS Gdańsk and FIS Warszawa being unable to warn the pilot.
- Glider activity information was published in the IFR section of the AIP Supplements rather than the VFR section, potentially reducing visibility to relevant pilots.
- Information regarding the glider competition was placed in the CAT4 system, which is not the primary system used by FIS personnel.
Safety action
- The PAŻP Publications Department will analyze the findings and evaluate moving VFR airspace supplements from the IFR section to the VFR section of the AIP.
- FIS personnel will be briefed on the investigation findings.
- The ASM-3 unit will implement a new procedure to ensure that after verifying airspace collision-free status, personnel will telephonically notify the relevant FIS sectors of increased glider activity recorded in the CAT system.
- Procedures for handling aeronautical information via the PDSO system will be standardized to ensure FIS is properly notified of planned events.