Near-miss between landing airliner and departing helicopter at Helsinki-Vantaa

Casualties unknown • FI

A Nordic Regional Airlines ATR72-500 and a Border Guard Super Puma narrowly avoided a collision when the helicopter deviated from its assigned flight path near runway 15.

What happened

On January 30, 2019, a Nordic Regional Airlines flight, ATR72-500 registration FIN51Z, was on final approach to runway 15 at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (EFHK). During the approach, the flight crew was notified by air traffic control of a Border Guard AS332 Super Puma helicopter, registration FNG100, positioned at the FATO 16 (Final Approach and Take-Off area) and preparing for departure.

The helicopter was cleared for a VFR departure via HAGIS, with specific instructions to remain well clear of runway 15. While the airliner was slowing to below 70 knots, the pilot of FIN51Z observed the helicopter flying across their front sector from left to right. The AS332 Super Puma crossed the end of runway 33, approximately 500 meters from the threshold. Air traffic control subsequently observed the helicopter entering the upwind sector of runway 15 and instructed the pilot to correct the turn. The helicopter pilot realized the error immediately.

The investigation

The investigation examined the flight communications, the pilot's adherence to the VFR route, and the specific departure restrictions issued by air traffic control. The investigation confirmed that all radio communications and acknowledgments were clear and followed standard procedures. The helicopter crew, while primarily based in Turku, were trained in the specific FATO procedures at Helsinki-Vantaa. The crew had originally filed an IFR flight plan to Turku but had requested VFR clearance while awaiting IFR clearance. The investigation also reviewed the weather conditions, which involved light snow and visibility of at least 10 kilometers.

Findings

  • The helicopter crew deviated from the assigned VFR route by following the Tuusula motorway toward HAGIS, rather than adhering to the prescribed path.
  • The deviation into the runway 15 upwind sector was caused by a momentary lapse in the helicopter pilots' attention.
  • The helicopter crew had acknowledged the specific restriction to remain clear of runway 15, but failed to maintain that separation during the turn.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the incident was a momentary loss of situational awareness by the helicopter crew, leading them to deviate from their assigned VFR route and enter the upwind sector of the active runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2019-01-30 aircraft accident near FI?

A Nordic Regional Airlines ATR72-500 and a Border Guard Super Puma narrowly avoided a collision when the helicopter deviated from its assigned flight path near runway 15.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2019-01-30 involved a aircraft, at FI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the incident was a momentary loss of situational awareness by the helicopter crew, leading them to deviate from their assigned VFR route and enter the upwind sector of the active runway.

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