On August 24, 2021, a Diamond DA40 NG (registration YL-PAC) was involved in an aviation accident near S. Darius ir S. Girėnas aerodrome, Kaunas, Lithuania, LT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A near collision caused by a Cessna 150G landing ahead of a Diamond DA40 NG in the circuit, resulting in insufficient separation and requiring an avoidance maneuver. This summary draws on records from the Transport Accident and Incident Investigation Service of Lithuania (TAITS).
A near collision occurred between a training Diamond DA40 NG (YL-PAC) and a Cessna 150G (LY-AOA) during circuit operations, requiring an avoidance maneuver.
What happened
On 24 August 2021, a Diamond DA40 NG with registration YL-PAC was conducting training circuit flights involving touch-and-go landings at an aerodrome in Lithuania. During these operations, a Cessna 150G with registration LY-AOA returned to the aerodrome after completing a route training flight.
The pilot of the Cessna 150G decided to land ahead of the Diamond DA40 NG. This decision resulted in a near collision, with only approximately 100 feet of vertical separation between the two aircraft. To prevent an unsafe situation and potential collision, the crew of one of the aircrafts was forced to execute an avoidance maneuver.
The investigation
The incident involved two light aircraft operating in close proximity during active circuit training and arrival phases. The primary factor leading to the hazardous proximity was the decision by the Cessna 150G to land while another aircraft was already established in the traffic pattern.
Probable cause
A near collision caused by a Cessna 150G landing ahead of a Diamond DA40 NG in the circuit, resulting in insufficient separation and requiring an avoidance maneuver.