2007 Robin DR 400 airspace incursion near Prague (OK-CGJ)

Incident overview On 24 May 2007, a Robin DR 400/180S, registration D-EKSR, operated by LSG Bad Pyrmont-Lügde e.V., was conducting a visual flight rules flight from Gyor-Pécs (LHPR) to Dresden (EDDC) through the Prague flight information region. The aircraft entered TMA II Prague, a Class C controlled terminal area, at 3,500 ft without authorization. ## Aircraft and personnel The Robin DR 400/180S, serial number 2035, was manufactured in 1991 and had accumulated 1,082 flight hours. The pilot in command was a 55-year-old holder of a private pilot licence with 131 total hours and 92 hours on type. A second pilot, aged 49, also held a private pilot licence with 551 total hours and 412 hours on type. ## Sequence of events At 13:53 UTC, the aircraft crossed from right to left through the final approach fix for runway 06 at Prague-Ruzyně, where a Czech Airlines Boeing 737-500, registration OK-CGJ, was conducting an ILS-DME approach. The 737 crew received a TCAS traffic advisory from the unknown traffic. Air traffic control identified the Robin as D-EKSR and instructed the pilot to descend to 2,500 ft. The pilot complied immediately, descending at 1,200 ft/min and reaching the assigned level within 30 seconds. ## Findings The investigation found that the pilot in command had failed to identify the TMA II Prague boundary on the ICAO chart during pre-flight preparation and en route. The approach controller recognized the uncorrelated target late due to its low-contrast display on the radar system. The flight information controller did not promptly alert the pilot to the airspace incursion. ## Safety recommendations The investigation recommended that air traffic control conduct a review of the incident with the approach controller and consider a system modification to the E2000 radar display to make uncorrelated traffic entering the Prague approach area more visually distinct.