Event Overview
On 11 April 2019 at approximately 16:30 local time, a HEMS helicopter (EC 135P2+) crew from the Płock base was returning after a patient delivery. After landing at Warsaw-Babice Airport (EPBC) for refueling, the helicopter pilot received clearance to start and proceed to the Płock base. During the takeoff on runway heading 10 (east), the crew followed standard circuit procedures as per AIP. While climbing through about 1,300 ft at 65 kt, the pilot initiated the first left turn to reach the assigned altitude of 1,800 ft. At around 1,500 ft, the medical crew member in the left seat reported seeing an aircraft to the left that appeared to be also flying a circuit. The helicopter pilot scanned visually but saw no other aircraft; the SDM 68 and ACAS also showed no traffic. As the helicopter continued to the second turn, the pilot increased vertical climb rate. Shortly after, the helicopter pilot noticed an aircraft silhouette emerging from below and to the right. A traffic alert then appeared on the display. The aircraft, later identified as a Cessna 172, was approximately 50 meters below and to the right, moving underneath the helicopter. After the second turn, the helicopter pilot lost visual contact and continued on a tangential path toward the LIMA waypoint (Łomianki). The HEMS crew completed the flight to Płock without further incidents.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that at the time of the helicopter’s takeoff, the student pilot of the Cessna 172 was on final approach to runway 10 after the fourth turn, conducting circuit training with touch-and-go landings from a convoy. The student pilot radioed for landing clearance and the tower authorized it with a caution about the departing helicopter, which the student acknowledged. As the Cessna touched down, the helicopter was to its right (south) side of the runway, climbing toward the first turn. Shortly after takeoff, the student pilot noticed the approaching helicopter and decided to level off at the attained altitude, maintaining 70 kt. Unable to maintain separation, the student pilot cut the first turn by moving under the helicopter from left to right. The helicopter was then approaching the second turn. The hazard subsided when the helicopter continued on a tangential path toward LIMA.
Cause
The investigation stated that the cause of the event was failure to maintain applicable procedures in circuit flight.