What happened
On March 16, 2005, an L 200, registration OK-PLV, was conducting a navigation flight as part of a CPL skill test. The flight, operated by BEMOAIR s.r.o., was traveling on a route from Holešov toward Rousínov. During the flight, an examiner provided the pilot with instructions to divert the route due to unsuitable weather conditions north of Holešov.
While navigating the new route at altitudes between 2,200 and 2,40 and feet, the aircraft entered the MTMA I airspace. Although the pilot had established contact with AFIS controllers at previous airfields, the crew failed to establish radio communication with the Přerov Approach (APP EC) on the required frequency.
At 10:45 UTC, the Přerov Approach controller identified an unidentified aircraft in the MTMA I airspace via radar. At 10:53 UTC, the L 200 descended to 2,200 feet and crossed the boundary into the MCTR airspace. For approximately three minutes, the aircraft flew roughly 1 km along the border of the controlled airspace, which at that time was occupied by Mi-24 helicopter operations. The aircraft remained in the controlled area until 10:56 UTC, when it exited toward Rousínov.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by a joint commission from ÚZPLN and the Flight Control Authority, examined the flight's trajectory, the crew's qualifications, and the communication logs. The investigation reviewed radar information from the Air Traffic Services (ATS) and communication records to determine the sequence of events and the impact on separation standards.
Findings
- The crew held valid licenses and medical certifications appropriate for the flight.
- The aircraft was airworthy with valid maintenance release.
- The flight path traversed Class D airspace, which requires continuous two-way radio communication with the appropriate ATC unit.
- The pilot failed to establish the required radio connection with the Přerov Approach station.
- The air traffic controller was unaware of the intended flight path of OK-PLV upon its entry into the airspace.
- Despite the unauthorized entry, no reduction in established separation between aircraft occurred, as the radar position of the military helicopters did not necessitate immediate intervention by the controller.