Hi PorcoRosso,
Whenever there is any accident, airprox, incident, alleged breach of air navigation legislation or serious airspace infringement, ATC will file an ATC Occurrence Report - CA1261 stating the facts of the incident. This is mandatory (hence the term MOR, Mandatory Occurrence Report). After appropriate local action and investigation has taken place, the report is forwarded to the Safety Investigation and Data Department (SDD) at CAA SRG Gatwick, who make their own enquiries. They may determine what further action to take with the pilot concerned. This may range from a strongly worded letter which remains on the licence file, to a requirement to undergo extra training, to revocation of the licence itself, depending on the severity of the incident.
In addition to this, further action may be taken for the most serious infringements of controlled airspace, and especially when the safety of commercial traffic has been compromised. This involves the filing of a form CA939, alleged Breach of Air Navigation Legislation. Again there will be an investigation, both locally and if thought appropriate, by the Aviation Regulation Enforcement Branch at CAA House. Radar, RTF and telephone recording and statements will be taken and used in evidence. If the ARE think it appropriate, a legal case will be brought at the Magistrates Court. If found guilty of a serious breach in a typical case the pilot may find himself around £3000 worse off!
ATCOs do not take such actions against a pilot lightly, but if safety is compromised we really have no alternative. If a pilot was genuinely lost, then this would be a mitigating factor, however the moral must
be : if you intend to fly anywhere near a major airport and you are in any way unsure of your position, immediately contact the nearest radar unit for assistance, or even 121.5. Hope this is useful.