Incident Overview
On 25 June 2019, a serious incident occurred at Babice Airport (EPBC) involving an EC-135 helicopter (registration SP-HXS) operated by Lotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe (LPR) and an unidentified Cessna 172 aircraft. The incident took place at 08:34 UTC in the vicinity of point ZULU over the Vistula River.
Sequence of Events
The EC-135 helicopter, callsign Ratownik 12, departed from Babice Airport for a HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) mission to a medical call in Gniaty-Wieśniany. Before departure, the pilot contacted Babice Information and was informed of one Cessna 152 flying a traffic pattern. The helicopter took off with an easterly course and a pattern altitude of 1500 ft. After the second turn, the pilot turned north and then spotted a Cessna 172 on his right side, flying along the Vistula at the same altitude, approximately 50 meters away.
After returning from the mission, the helicopter pilot called Babice Information to report the close encounter. The duty officer confirmed he had no information about the Cessna 172's movement.
Investigation Findings
The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) analyzed radar data and FIS communications from the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PAŻP). The Cessna 172 could not be identified; it was flying without radio contact and with its transponder switched off, meaning it was not radar-identified. The aircraft was operating within the ATZ (Aerodrome Traffic Zone) of Babice Airport, where air traffic information service was provided. Responsibility for separation rested with the flight crews.
Cause
The cause of the incident was non-compliance with air traffic rules in the ATZ of Warsaw-Babice airport by an unknown Cessna 172 aircraft, which did not establish radio contact with Babice Information.
Safety Recommendations
No safety recommendations were issued by the commission.