Event Details
On 17 August 2014, at Łódź-Lublinek Airport (EPLL) within the FIR EPWW, a runway incursion occurred involving two Mi-2 helicopters. The pilots of both helicopters had reported readiness to taxi from the apron to Runway 07. The air traffic controller (TWR) instructed them to "Hold position" and informed them about an approaching airliner expected to land in two minutes. Due to a lack of English language proficiency, the helicopter pilots did not understand the instruction and began taxiing.
Sequence
The controller noticed the error as the helicopters neared the runway dangerously. Despite repeated "Hold position" commands, one helicopter stopped only after entering the runway. The approaching airliner, at 4 nautical miles on final for Runway 25, decided to conduct a circling approach to Runway 07. Further attempts to resolve the situation were hampered by the pilots' limited English. The helicopters had difficulty vacating the runway after unauthorized occupation. The controller called for a "FOLLOW ME" ground coordinator to escort the helicopters back to the apron. The airliner subsequently landed on Runway 07 without incident. The helicopters departed after the CTR EPLL airspace was cleared of all traffic.
Cause
The incident was caused by a lack of communication with the air traffic controller due to the helicopter pilots' lack of English language knowledge.