What happened
On June 11, 2010, at approximately 15:30 local time, two single-engine propeller aircraft were conducting training flights in the traffic pattern at Lelystad Airport. The first aircraft, a SOCATA-GA TB 9 with registration PH-HIS, was performing takeoff and landing practice with an instructor and a student pilot. Simultaneously, a Piper PA-28-161, registered as PH-VFA, was also engaged in training maneuvers with its own instructor and student.
While flying the circuit for runway 23, the student pilot in the PH-HIS completed a left turn from the base leg and reported via radio that the aircraft was on the final approach. At that moment, the PH-VFA appeared approximately 15 meters ahead of them, performing a left turn to align with the same runway. To prevent a collision, the pilot of the PH-HIS executed a 45-degree rightward evasive maneuver and subsequently performed a go-around. Despite radio calls from the PH-HIS crew attempting to alert the occupants of the PH-VFA, there was no response from the second aircraft. The PH-VFA continued its approach and landed safely, while the PH-HIS rejoined the circuit and landed without further incident.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the Dutch Safety Board, reviewed pilot statements, recorded radio communications from the Lelystad Radio frequency, and meteorological reports from the KNMI. The investigation focused on the effectiveness of the 'see-and-avoid' principle within the uncontrolled Class G airspace at Lelystad Airport. The investigators also examined the flight profiles of both aircraft and the visibility conditions, which were approximately 9 kilometers with no precipitation.
Findings
- The near-collision was triggered when the student pilot in the PH-VFA performed a left turn from the base leg, which caused the aircraft to overtake the PH-HIS that was already positioned ahead in the circuit.
- The occupants of the PH-VFA failed to maintain adequate separation and were unaware of the proximity of the other aircraft.
- The crew of the PH-HIS attempted to use radio communications to warn the other aircraft, but the PH-VFA crew did not respond to these calls.
- While the 'see-and-avoid' concept is subject to the physical limitations of the human eye, the investigation noted that the crew of the PH-VFA did not observe the other aircraft despite the radio warnings.