What happened
On May 23, 2025, at EPKA aerodrome, a series of glider towing operations were underway. Around 11:30 LMT, a Tecnam P2008 arrived at the airfield and requested permission from the air traffic controller to perform a touch-and-go maneuver. The controller granted the request on the condition that there was no traffic in the approach and landing zone.
During the final approach and touchdown on runway 29L, the controller observed a glider tow formation—consisting of a KR-030 “Topaz” (SP-SPRW) and an SZD-50-3 “Puchacz” (SP-3409)—which had just begun its takeoff roll on the parallel runway 29R. Shortly after takeoff, the tow formation initiated a turn to the south, crossing the centerline of runway 29L, directly into the path of the arriving Tecnam aircraft. The controller immediately alerted the pilot of the Tecnam P2008. The pilot observed the approaching formation and executed an evasive maneuver to the left, successfully avoiding a collision.
The investigation
The investigation examined the coordination between the glider flight coordinator and the air traffic controller, the communication protocols used during the operations, and the flight paths of the involved aircraft. The inquiry also reviewed the takeoff procedures and the wind correction applied by the tow pilot.
Findings
- Ambiguous air traffic control procedures and inadequate communication between the glider flight coordinator (located in the glider box) and the air traffic controller (located in the airport building).
- Failure by the glider flight coordinator to recognize the potential for traffic conflict and to withhold the takeoff of the tow formation until the touch-and-go maneuver was completed.
- The tow pilot applied an excessive wind correction, which resulted in the aircraft flying over the occupied parallel runway.
- Limited experience of the tow pilot regarding the specific traffic patterns and operational environment at EPKA aerodrome, leading to a premature turn after takeoff.