What happened
On May 25, 2018, a student pilot operating a Cessna 152, registration OK-FAB, was conducting a VFR navigation flight from Letňany to České Budějovice. After leaving the Kbely control zone, the pilot switched to the Prague FIC frequency. At approximately 16:03 UTC, the Cessna 152 entered the Benešov (LKBE) control zone without prior notification of its entry or its intended altitude.
Simultaneously, an instructor and student pilot were conducting training in a Tecnam P92 JS, registration OK-HDG, which had recently departed from runway 24 at Benešov. The two aircraft were on converging tracks. Radar data indicates that the horizontal distance between the aircraft closed rapidly from 1.93 NM to just 0.16 NM (approximately 300 meters) within seconds. The instructor in the Tecnam P92 JS observed the approaching aircraft and performed a sharp maneuver to avoid a collision. The aircraft passed each other at a distance of less than 50 meters. The student pilot in the Cessna 152 was reportedly unaware of the danger until notified by the Prague FIC dispatcher.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined radar data and statements from the involved crews. The investigation established that the flight conditions were VFR/VMC with excellent visibility (over 10 km) and that neither aircraft was equipped with electronic collision avoidance systems such as FLARM. The investigation also noted that the high-wing configuration of both aircraft may have partially obstructed the pilots' downward and forward visibility.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the failure of the pilot of OK-FAB to comply with regulations regarding entering an aerodrome control zone, specifically the requirement to report the intention to enter the ATZ and the intended altitude.
- The student pilot's experience and suitability for conducting a solo navigation flight were considered questionable.
- Inadequate situational awareness and a failure to maintain proper lookout by the pilot of OK-FAB contributed to the event.
- The instructor in OK-HDG successfully identified the hazard and took decisive action to prevent a collision.