What happened
On August 23, 2010, at 14:47, a serious airspace infringement occurred within the Helsinki Terminal Control Area (TMA) between the final approach paths of runways 22L and 22R at Helsinki-Vantaa airport. A Cessna 172M, registration OH-CTL, was operating a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Helsinki-Malmi to Hyvinkää. During the flight, the pilot initiated a climb from 1,300 ft into the controlled TMA without obtaining air traffic control clearance or establishing radio contact.
Simultaneously, an Airbus A320 was on approach to runway 22L at 2,000 ft. The two aircraft reached a minimum longitudinal separation of approximately 1.2 NM and a vertical separation of only 200 ft. While the flight crew of the Airbus A320 observed the light aircraft on their TCAS display, the system failed to issue a Traffic Advisory (TA) or a Resolution Advisory (RA). The co-pilot eventually established visual contact with the single-engine aircraft flying below them.
On the return leg from Hyvinkää, the Cessna 172M again entered the Helsinki TMA and subsequently flew at 1,000 ft within the Helsinki Noise Abatement Area, a zone where flying below 2,000 ft is specifically discouraged.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances of the airspace infringement and reviewed broader trends in VFR incursions in Finland and Europe. The commission analyzed the pilot's flight preparation, the aircraft's performance capabilities, and the monitoring capabilities of Helsinki-Vantaa approach control. The inquiry also looked into the effectiveness of the Flight Information Service (FIS) and the adequacy of current training curricula regarding airspace structures and radiotelephony.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the VFR pilot's inadvertent climb into the Helsinki TMA without ATC clearance or radio contact.
- Contributing factors included the pilot's lack of familiarity with airspace structures and flight procedures, as well as insufficient flying currency.
- The pilot had failed to thoroughly review the aircraft's new performance data or conduct methodical flight planning prior to departure.
- Helsinki-Vantaa approach control lacks the capability to adequately monitor VFR traffic operating within the TMA or in the adjacent uncontrolled airspace.
Safety action
- The Finnish Transport Safety Agency should ensure that training curricula for air traffic services, airspace structures, flight procedures, and radiotelephony are robust.
- The agency should work with the Finnish Aeronautical Association to review sport aviation training syllabi for powered aircraft.
- In future airspace redesigns, the agency and Finavia Corporation should pursue proactive solutions to minimize risks and infringements in the Helsinki TMA.
- Finavia Corporation should incorporate FIS training into the refresher training for air traffic controllers.