What happened
On August 17, 2014, a runway incursion occurred at the threshold of runway 25 at Łód and – Lublinek airport (EPLL). Two Mi 2 helicopters were taxiing from the apron toward runway 07 when the pilots reported their readiness to the tower controller. The controller issued a "Hold position" instruction, informing the crew that an incoming commercial aircraft was expected to land within two minutes.
Due to a lack of English language proficiency, the helicopter pilots did not understand the instruction and proceeded with their taxi. The tower controller observed the error as the helicopters approached the runway area. Despite repeated "Hold Position" commands, one of the helicopters continued until it had occupied the runway.
To prevent a collision, the incoming commercial aircraft, which was 4 nautical miles from the runway on the approach to runway 25, executed a missed approach/circling maneuver to land on runway 07 instead. The situation was further complicated by the language barrier when the pilots struggled to vacate the runway. Ultimately, the tower controller had to request a "FOLLOW ME" vehicle to escort the helicopters back to the apron. The commercial aircraft landed safely on runway 07, and the helicopters departed after the controller cleared the CTR EPLL airspace of all other traffic.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation focused on the sequence of taxiing movements and the communication exchange between the helicopter crews and the tower controller. The investigation established that the pilots failed to comply with specific holding instructions and that the subsequent attempt to clear the runway was hindered by the same communication difficulties.