What happened
On November 7, 2009, at 10:12 AM, two aircraft performed simultaneous opposing approaches at the controlled Dôle aerodrome. The first aircraft, a Cessna 210 (registration N526CH), was conducting an IFR training flight with an instructor and a student pilot. The second aircraft, a Zlin Moravan 526 (registration F-BXQC), was on a flight from Lons-le-Saulnier.
While the F-BXQC was on final approach for runway 23, the air traffic controller observed the N526CH on final approach for the opposite runway, 05, approximately 0.5 NM from the threshold. The controller alerted the pilot of the F-BXQC and activated the runway lighting to flash, attempting to draw the attention of the N526CH crew. The N526CH crew subsequently aborted their approach. However, during the subsequent landing of the N526CH after a third approach attempt, the aircraft passed over the F-BXQC, which was taxiing on the runway at an altitude of approximately 150 feet.
The investigation
The investigation focused on why the N526CH crew failed to establish contact with Dôle tower and why the instructor did not intervene. It was established that the pilot of the N526CH had incorrectly selected the radio frequency. Although the Reims controller had provided the correct frequency (130.775 MHz) during the descent clearance, the pilot had instead tuned 133.775 MHz.
The instructor noted that because the pilot had correctly read back the message, he believed the communication with Dôle was established. Furthermore, the instructor had requested that the pilot proceed under self-information. The crew of the N5/26CH stated they did not notice the flashing runway lights or the other aircraft during the flight.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the incorrect selection of the radio frequency by the pilot of the N526CH.
- Insufficient monitoring by the instructor contributed to the error, as the instructor believed the frequency change had been successful based on the pilot's readback.
- The pilot of the N526CH was unfamiliar with the aerodrome, and the instructor was not actively managing the radio communications during the flight.