What happened
On November 16, 2010, at approximately 15:55 local time, two single-engine propeller aircraft were involved in a near-collision while operating in the traffic pattern at Lelystad Airport. The first aircraft, a SOCATA-GA TB 9 with registration PH-IIS, was being flown by a student pilot on his second solo training flight. After completing a go-around on runway 05, the pilot was executing turns on the downwind leg.
As the PH-IIS leveled out on the downwind leg, the pilot observed a Diamond-C DA20-A1, registration PH-FLK, approaching from the Bravo3 point. The PH-FLK was on a flight path that created a significant risk of collision. Although the pilot of the PH-IIS held the right-of-way according to traffic regulations, the pilot of the PH-FLK failed to take evasive action. To prevent a collision, the pilot of the PH-IIS was forced to perform a sharp left turn and a full-power climb. The separation between the two aircraft was estimated at only 25 meters.
Following the maneuver, the PH-CLK continued on the downwind leg, flying approximately 10 meters to the right and rear of the PH-IIS. The pilot of the PH-IIS noted that the other pilot did not appear to realize the proximity of the first aircraft. The PH-FLK subsequently turned base, forcing the PH-IIS to extend its downwind leg and eventually perform a go-around to maintain safe separation.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the Dutch Safety Board (OVV) relied on pilot statements, radio communications recorded on the Lelystad Radio frequency, and meteorological data from the KNMI. The investigation focused on the effectiveness of the 'see-and-avoid' principle in an uncontrolled airspace environment.
At Lelystad Airport, pilots are solely responsible for maintaining separation. The investigation examined the visual scanning techniques and the adherence to traffic regulations by both student pilots involved in the incident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the near-collision was that the pilot of the PH-FLK failed to see the PH-IIS while approaching the downwind leg; the specific reason for this failure to detect the aircraft remained undetermined.
- A contributing factor was the delayed evasive maneuver by the pilot of the PH-IIS, who initially waited for the other aircraft to yield the right-of-way before deciding to climb and turn.
- The 'see-and-avoid' concept was successfully applied by the pilot of the PH-IIS, whereas it failed for the pilot of the PH-FLK.