Flight Instructor on training flight reported NMAC with a helicopter during takeoff roll.

Date: 2022-09 · Aircraft: PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior · Phase: takeoff

Anomalies: conflict-nmac|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-published-material-policy

Synopsis

Flight Instructor on training flight reported NMAC with a helicopter during takeoff roll.

Narrative

The following situation occurred at ZZZ on Day 0 around XA30. I was able to speak with the pilot of the Company aircraft later that evening to discuss the situation. Here is what happened from my point of view. I was holding short for Runway XX. I believe there were 2 fixed wing aircraft in the pattern; 1 fixed wing inbound from the north; 1 Company rotor wing in bound from the north; and one Company rotor wing holding north of the runway in the non-movement (Company area.) Radio traffic was busy and aircraft were trying to get their calls in quick. I was with a student who is close to his solo. After one of the fixed wings landed; I announced we were lining up to wait for departure on XX. The hovering Company Helicopter claimed he made a call identifying he knew I was holding on the runway while we both waited for the landing aircraft to clear the runway (this call was not heard by me or the student). As the aircraft cleared the runway; I announced we were departing; I heard another aircraft step on my call but was not able to make anything out. (I later found out it was Company making his immediate departure north call.) As we accelerated down the runway towards rotation speed; I noticed the Company helicopter climbing and drifting over the runway eastbound (runway heading) about 2/3 down the runway. We were about half down the runway and the student was rotating for lift off. I took controls and aborted the takeoff. The winds were from the northeast. The Company helicopter turned north bound shortly after. I cannot confirm that the Company helicopter made his prior calls to departure and I believe we stepped on each other for departure calls. Speaking with him; he knew I was lined up waiting for X departure. My situational awareness did not include him until I saw him as we were going down the runway. After I spoke with him; he was attempting to depart north from the Taxiway 1. trying to remain clear (north) of the runway. I believe the winds pushed him over the runway unexpectedly. He also expressed that usually Company gets the priority out of courtesy; which I agree with except I did not hear his calls. We discussed the situation and all the concerns and agreed we will talk with-in our companies to our pilots and raise awareness and address the need for additional safety and caution regardless of the desire to get into the air in a busy pattern. I also understand that I need to make sure I'm listening to every radio call so I don't miss an important one that can avert a situation like the above.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.