Factual Information
On 14 July 2007 at 14:18 UTC, a glider pilot flying a VSO 10 (registration OK-9606) on a cross-country route from Vyškov to Brno Medlánky reported his position as Rohlenka, approximately 5 km northeast of Brno Tuřany Airport (LKTB), which was 6.7 km inside the control zone (CTR). The pilot did not request clearance to enter the terminal maneuvering area (TMA) or the CTR. He informed air traffic control that he lacked sufficient altitude to return to Brno Medlánky and would proceed to LKTB. The glider landed on runway 27 (grass) at 14:25 UTC, two minutes before a scheduled Ryanair flight. No loss of separation occurred.
The pilot, aged 59, held a valid glider pilot license and medical certificate, along with a general radiotelephone operator certificate. His total flying experience was 1,150 hours (1,360 takeoffs), with 650 hours on the VSO 10. The glider was manufactured by Orličan Choceň, serial number 150210, with a valid maintenance release, insurance, and radio station authorization. Its total time-in-service was 2,196 hours (1,207 takeoffs).
Weather conditions at LKTB were CAVOK with surface wind from 150°–170° at 7–9 knots. The incident site was within the Brno CTR. No medical or pathological findings were reported, and no fire occurred.
In his statement, the pilot said he encountered strong sink northwest of Viniční Šumice and realized he would need to land in terrain. Prioritizing a safe landing, he considered LKTB and contacted the tower, which raised no objections. He then turned toward the airport. The published AIP procedures for VFR flights entering the CTR require pilots to contact approach/tower at least three minutes before entry, providing identification, type, entry point, etc. The pilot did not follow these procedures and was not issued a clearance.
Analysis
- The pilot was medically and legally fit for the flight.
- The glider was airworthy.
- Weather conditions did not contribute to the incident.
- Airport conditions and ATC service had no influence.
- The pilot failed to adhere to prescribed procedures for entering the TMA and CTR, entering without a valid clearance.
- No loss of separation with controlled traffic occurred.
Conclusion
The incident resulted from the glider pilot's incorrect procedure: he did not comply with the AIP procedures for VFR flights (section AD 2-LKTB-17, 2.22.4) and entered the CTR without a clearance.
Safety Recommendation
Expand the theoretical portion of the glider pilot training syllabus to include a module on "Controlled VFR Flights."