What happened
On July 14, 2007, at 14:18 UTC, a VSO 10 glider, registration OK-9606, was conducting a flight from Vyškov to Brno Medlánky. While flying near the Rohlenka area, approximately 5 km northeast of Brno Tuř and 6.7 km inside the CTR, the pilot contacted Brno Tower on frequency 119.60.
The pilot reported that due to a lack of rising thermals and encountering strong sinking air northwest of Viniční Šumice, they no longer possessed sufficient altitude to reach the intended destination at Brno Medlánky. Consequently, the pilot declared an intention to land at Brno Tuřany. The pilot proceeded to land on runway 27 at 14:25 UTC, approximately two minutes before the arrival of a scheduled Ryanair flight (RYR 403). No reduction in separation minima with controlled traffic occurred during the event.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation involved a reconstruction of the event by comparing the pilot's statement with radio communication records between the glider and Brno Tower. The investigation also reviewed subsequent telephone communications between the tower and the pilot. The inquiry established that the pilot failed to follow the mandatory procedures for VFR flights entering the CTR from Class G airspace, which require establishing contact with the tower at least three minutes prior to entry and providing specific flight data. The investigation confirmed that the pilot entered the TMA I and CTR without receiving the necessary flight clearance.
Findings
- The pilot was qualified and the aircraft was airworthy.
- Weather conditions and airport infrastructure were not contributing factors.
- Air Traffic Control services were not at fault.
- The pilot failed to follow prescribed procedures for entering the TMA and CTR, entering the controlled airspace without an issued flight clearance.