Background
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) conducted an investigation into three air incidents that occurred at Arendal Airport Gullknapp (ENGK) between 19 June and 13 September 2023. All three incidents involved traffic conflicts during training flights, requiring evasive maneuvers to avoid more serious outcomes. The airport served as the base for OSM Aviation Academy, a flight school training commercial pilots. The NSIA decided to examine underlying factors that could have contributed to these conflicts.
Incidents
The three incidents occurred on 19 June, 5 July, and 13 September 2023. Each involved traffic conflicts in the landing pattern, necessitating evasive action. The NSIA noted that established safety barriers did not function as intended during these events. The investigation focused on the broader safety framework conditions at the airport rather than the specific details of each incident.
Investigation Findings
From 2018, when OSM Aviation Academy established its base at Arendal Airport Gullknapp, the number of aircraft movements increased substantially. Meanwhile, the airport had closed its Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) in 2021. The NSIA found that the combination of increased traffic and reduced air traffic services had the potential to compromise safety for future operations. The licenses granted for increased activity did not appear to take sufficient account of aviation safety relative to other considerations. The NSIA concluded that the flight school, the airport, the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and the Ministry of Transport collectively did not pay sufficient attention to flight safety when assessing whether it was appropriate to increase the number of aircraft movements in the concession conditions.
Regulatory Response
In January 2024, the CAA required Arendal Airport Gullknapp to investigate the need for and possibly propose the re-establishment of air traffic services, as well as to present an updated safety assessment demonstrating an acceptable safety level for the airspace. In June 2024, the airport concluded, in consultation with affected air traffic service units, that AFIS must be re-established to ensure an acceptable level of safety.
Conclusion
The NSIA believes that the CAA and the Ministry of Transport should assess whether current regulations for awarding concessions adequately ensure flight safety, including the division of roles between the two entities. The NSIA issued safety recommendations to both the Ministry of Transport and the CAA regarding these issues.