What happened
On April 4, 2005, a Z 43 aircraft, registration OK-WOH, operated by BEMOAIR s.r.o., was conducting a PPL(A) navigation training flight. The flight was following a route from Benešov to Vysoké Mýto via Křižanov and back to Benešov.
At approximately 14:00 UTC, while flying near Červené Janovice at 2,500 ft, the student pilot (S-PIC) entered the Čáslav controlled airspace (MCTR LKCV) without establishing radio contact with the Čáslav Tower (TWR EC). The aircraft continued to fly within the controlled airspace, descending from 2,5 and 2,300 ft, for approximately two minutes before the pilot finally reported their position near Golčův Jeníkov.
During this period, the Čáslav Tower identified the aircraft as unknown traffic on radar. To maintain separation, the controller issued a traffic information alert to an L-159 jet aircraft that was departing from runway 14. The OK-WOH eventually exited the controlled airspace at 14:09 UTC.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by a joint commission from ÚZPLN and the Military Air Traffic Control, examined the pilot's actions, the aircraft's airworthiness, and the communication logs. The investigation established that the student pilot held valid medical and pilot qualifications. It was also noted that the instructor had provided reminders regarding the required frequency and procedures for entering the Čáslav controlled airspace prior to departure. The investigation utilized radar information and communication recordings from the Čáslav tower to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Findings
- The student pilot failed to establish radio contact with the ATC unit prior to entering the Class D airspace.
- The Čáslav Tower was unaware of the training flight's specific route upon its entry into the controlled zone.
- Although the aircraft was unidentified, the controller's proactive issuance of traffic information to the departing L-159 prevented a reduction in required separation between aircraft.
- The aircraft and its maintenance status were fully compliant with all regulations.
Safety action
- The flight training organization (FTO) is to conduct a flight review and, in relation to approved routes, reiterate the principles of operating within controlled airspace.