What happened
On 3 July 2016, a private flight was underway from Fishburn Airfield in County Durham, destined for Blackpool Airport. The aircraft, a Pierre Robin DR400/180R Remorqueur with registration G-ELUN, arrived in the Blackpool vicinity from the north-east. While orbiting near Inskip disused airfield to accommodate existing traffic, the pilot was cleared for a right base join for Runway 28 at Blackpool.
During the approach, the pilot misidentified Warton Aerodrome as Blackpool Airport. While searching for other aircraft on the downwind leg, the pilot positioned the aircraft for an approach to Warton’s Runway 25. The Warton radar controller observed the aircraft traversing restricted airspace north of the airfield and alerted Warton Tower to a potential unknown contact. Despite the Tower controller using a red Aldis lamp and adjusting runway light settings to signal the aircraft, the pilot did not respond. The aircraft completed a landing at Warton, at which point Blackpool Air Traffic Control instructed a go-around. The pilot then transitioned to a touch-and-go and successfully repositioned to land at the intended destination, Blackpool, without further issues.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's error in airfield identification and the effectiveness of the local air traffic services. Investigators noted that the radar controller at Warton was able to monitor the flight path and provide an essential warning to the Tower controller. It was also noted that the Warton Aerodrome operator had previously released instructional video material earlier in 2016 specifically designed to help pilots distinguish between the two nearby airfields.
Findings
- The pilot misidentified Warton Aerodrome for Blackpool Airport.
- The radar service at Warton acted as a critical safety barrier by detecting the unauthorized approach and alerting the Tower controller.
- There were no injuries and no damage to the aircraft.