What happened
On March 9, 2015, an airspace infringement occurred within the controlled airspace (CTR) of the EPLB aerodrome. A W-3 Sokół helicopter departed from a grass strip located near the aviation works in the Świdnik area, adjacent to the airport. This departure was conducted without obtaining the necessary clearance from air traffic control services.
At the time the air traffic controller (ATC) identified the helicopter's presence within the CTR, a Cessna 172 was conducting a training flight within the same airspace. Upon detecting the unauthorized helicopter, the controller immediately notified the crew of the Cessna 172 regarding the helicopter's position and issued instructions for the aircraft to depart toward the ROTIT navigational waypoint.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the helicopter's unauthorized entry into the controlled zone. The investigation examined the communication and coordination procedures between the helicopter pilot, the factory flight organizers, and the air traffic control services at EPLB.