What happened
On August 6, 2023, at 11:57 UTC, two aircraft experienced a loss of separation while operating in the traffic pattern at Burgos Airport (LEBG). The first aircraft, a PIPER PA-28, registration EC-DPQ, was conducting a private flight. The second aircraft, a CZECH SPORT AIRCKSRAFT PS-28 CRUISER, registration EC-NLG, was performing a flight instruction session operated by FLY BAI, S.L.
Both aircraft were approaching runway 04. The pilot of the EC-DPQ initially extended the downwind leg to allow another aircraft to depart. To further increase separation from departing traffic, the pilot of the EC-DPQ performed a 360-degree left-hand orbit at a constant altitude.
As the EC-DPQ completed this orbit, it approached the EC-NLG, which was also extending its downwind leg. The instructor on board the EC-NLG observed the decreasing separation and performed an evasive maneuver to the right to prevent a mid-air collision. The pilot of the EC-DPQ reported that they did not see the EC-NLG at any point during the maneuver.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined the flight paths, radio communications, and pilot actions. The investigation established that while both aircraft had initially coordinated their intentions to extend the downwind leg, the decision by the EC-DPQ to perform a 360-degree orbit created a significant risk.
Because the EC-DPQ is a low-wing aircraft, the pilot's visibility toward the outside of the turn was severely restricted after the aircraft passed 180 degrees of the orbit. Furthermore, since both aircraft were flying at similar speeds and weights, the EC-NLG was likely to be in the same vicinity as the EC-DPQ upon completion of the orbit. The investigation also noted that the pilot of the EC-DPQ initiated the base leg without first ensuring the position of the following aircraft.