What happened
On January 21, 2016, a pilot operating a Schweizer 269D helicopter was performing a final approach for landing at EPMO airport. During the approach, the air traffic controller instructed the pilot to execute a low approach and land on the "PPS GA 1" parking stand, located to the left of taxiway B, for the purpose of engine shutdown and subsequent towing.
Instead of following the specific instructions, the pilot continued the flight along taxiway S. At the time of the incident, taxiway S was closed due to ongoing technical maintenance work, as specified in an active NOTAM.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation focused on why the pilot failed to adhere to the controller's instructions regarding the landing location. The investigation reviewed the pilot's statements and the operational circumstances surrounding the approach and taxiing sequence.