What happened
On July 23, 2016, an incident occurred within the Bydolog (EPBY) Terminal Control Area (TMA) involving two aircraft: an An-2 aircraft operated by Aeroklub Bydgoski and an EC 136 P2+ helicopter operated by SP ZOZ LPR.
At the time of the event, the helicopter was performing an RNAV 08 approach to land. Simultaneously, the An-2 (registration SP-AOC) was climbing to an altitude of 3,000 meters to execute a parachute jump. The pilot of the An-2 was informed by Bydgoszcz Tower (TWR EPBY) that the jump could only proceed once the helicopter had landed. Despite being notified that the helicopter's landing was expected in approximately two minutes, the pilot of the An-2 indicated they were on the jump straight. Shortly thereafter, the skydivers exited the aircraft and landed at the airport, despite the fact that the pilot had not received formal authorization to proceed with the jump.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the communications between the air traffic controller, the approach controller, the helicopter crew, and the crew of SP-AOC. The investigation focused on the sequence of instructions issued by Bydgoszcz Tower and the subsequent actions taken by the aircraft operators.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the execution of a parachute jump within controlled airspace without obtaining necessary authorization from the appropriate air traffic control authority.
- The incident was exacerbated by a lack of unambiguous communication between the air traffic controller, the approach controller, the helicopter (RAT2), and the An-2 (SP-AOC).
- The skydivers exited the aircraft without the required clearance from the relevant air traffic authority.
Safety action
Following the incident, the jump organizer implemented additional training for skydiving instructors regarding the organization of jumps within the EPBY airport airspace. It was also established that procedures regarding the authorization or prohibition of jumps will be reviewed during every pre-flight briefing.