What happened
On August 1, 2008, at Teuge Airport, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration PH-WJK, was performing a local test flight following maintenance. Simultaneously, a Socata TB 9 aircraft, registration PH-CIS, was preparing for a training flight departure to Lelystad Airport.
The crew of the PH-CIS had lined up on runway 27 and communicated their intentions to Teuge Radio. As the aircraft lifted off at approximately 80 knots and an altitude of 10 feet, the crew observed the PH-WJK helicopter taxiing from intersection C and beginning its takeoff roll directly into the path of the aircraft. To prevent a collision, the instructor in the PH-CIS immediately took control and executed a steep right turn. The two aircraft passed within approximately 20 meters of each other. No injuries or damage to either aircraft were reported.
The investigation
The investigation by the Dutch Safety Board (OVV) included statements from both pilots, the flight instructor, the ground mechanic, and the duty airport assistant harbor master, as well as meteorological data.
While the instructor of the PH-CIS had activated landing lights and announced intentions via radio, the pilot of the PH-WJK reported that they neither saw nor heard the approaching aircraft. The airport assistant harbor master, who witnessed the near-miss, noted that while the PH-CIS had announced its departure, there was no recorded communication from the helicopter. It remained unclear if the helicopter pilot had the correct radio frequency selected or if the radio volume was sufficiently high.
Findings
- The near-collision was caused by the PH-WJK pilot performing a takeoff from an intersection while the PH-CIS was already utilizing the same runway for departure.
- The pilot of the PH-WJK failed to maintain adequate visual and auditory separation, as they did not observe the PH-CIS on the runway or hear its radio transmission.
- Under aviation regulations, the taxiing helicopter was required to yield right-of-way to the aircraft already engaged in its takeoff roll.
Safety action
- Pilots performing takeoffs from runway intersections must exercise extra caution to ensure the runway is clear of other traffic.
- Effective use of onboard radios by all pilots and airport personnel is a critical tool for maintaining situational awareness and monitoring movements on and around the airfield.