Incident Overview
On February 9, 2023, a serious incident was recorded at the Verkehrslandeplatz Bonn-Hangelar (EDKB) in Germany. The event involved two single-engine piston aircraft: a Cessna 172R and a Piper PA-28-181. Both aircraft were conducting traffic pattern operations for runway 29 under visual flight rules (VFR). The investigation, conducted by the German Federal Aviation Office (BFU), concluded with a factual presentation of events without assigning specific causal conclusions.
Operational Context
The Cessna 172R, operated by a German flight school, carried a 64-year-old flight instructor and a 72-year-old student pilot. The Piper PA-28-181, operated by a German air sports club, was piloted by a 79-year-old private pilot. Weather conditions were favorable, with visibility exceeding 10 km and no significant cloud cover below 5,000 ft, although light haze was reported by the pilots.
Sequence of Events
Radar data from the Cologne-Bonn airport indicated two distinct close approaches between the aircraft. The first occurred at approximately 12:01:55 local time, with a horizontal separation of about 0.12 NM and a vertical separation of 200 ft, with the Piper below the Cessna. A second approach was recorded at 12:02:14, maintaining a horizontal distance of 0.12 NM but reducing the vertical gap to 100 ft, with the Piper now above the Cessna.
The flight instructor in the Cessna reported that they were in their third circuit and had extended their downwind leg due to traffic ahead. During the turn onto final approach, the Piper appeared suddenly on the left, slightly above, also turning for final. The Cessna crew initiated a right-side avoidance maneuver. The Piper pilot stated he saw the Cessna from outside the pattern at his 2 o'clock position and aborted his approach to go around after being instructed by the flight leader.
Investigation Findings
The BFU noted that neither aircraft was flying exactly on the published traffic pattern according to radar data. The Cessna flew its crosswind legs at approximately 90 degrees, while the Piper left the downwind leg early. The investigation highlighted that radio communications were not recorded. No injuries or physical damage to either aircraft or third parties were reported.