What happened
On January 3, 2008, at approximately 12:30 local time, a SOCATA-GA TB 20, registration PH-MLL, was performing an overland flight from Rotterdam Airport to Lelystad Airport. On board the aircraft were an instructor and two student pilots. While flying the traffic pattern for runway 05, the student pilot executed a right-hand downwind leg. Due to existing traffic in the circuit, the pilot extended the downwind leg, announcing the maneuver via Lelyst and Radio.
Simultaneously, a Piper PA-28, registration PH-VFC, was operating a local flight at Lelystad Airport. The pilot of PH-VFC was flying the downwind leg near the threshold of runway 23. During the maneuver, the pilot of PH-VFC became distracted while searching for a helicopter that had requested access to the airfield. During this period of distraction, the pilot lost visual contact with PH-MLL.
As PH-VFC transitioned from the base leg to the final approach, it encountered PH-MLL on the final leg. The instructor in PH-MLL observed PH-VFC appearing just above and to the left of their aircraft, estimating the separation at only three to four meters. To prevent a collision, the instructor immediately took control and performed a steep dive, increasing power to regain separation before landing.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the separation responsibilities at Lelystad Airport, which is an uncontrolled airfield where pilots are solely responsible for maintaining separation using the 'see-and-avoid' principle. The investigation examined the flight paths of both aircraft and the impact of visibility and aircraft configuration on the encounter.
Investigators noted that while PH-MLL had broadcasted its position via radio, these transmissions did not sufficiently enhance the situational awareness of the pilot in PH-VFC. The investigation also considered the visibility conditions; while one pilot reported poor horizontal visibility, the official report noted that conditions were within VFR requirements, though the exact impact of visibility remains uncertain due to conflicting pilot statements.
Findings
- The primary cause of the near collision was the pilot of PH-VFC losing visual contact with PH-MLL during the circuit maneuvers.
- The low-wing configuration of the Piper PA-28 contributed to the incident, as the upward-moving wing during a turn obstructed the pilot's view of the other aircraft.
- Radio communications from PH-MLL failed to increase the situational awareness of the pilot in PH-VFC sufficiently to prevent the loss of visual contact.