The LPR helicopter almost crashed. “The pilot noticed the wires at the last minute”

There was no patient on board the LPR helicopter – a former pilot, doctor and lifeguard. During the start, the pilot did not notice the medium voltage line and missed it at the last minute. The recordings show how close it was to the disaster.

There is always a risk in aviation that something can go wrong as it should. Here is an example – a simple start of the LPR helicopter, which almost ended in a tragedy. – The pilot at the last minute noticed the wires that were across the bypass. This maneuver looks quite in disbow, even dangerous, but it was the only form of escape – explains Dominik Punda, a line pilot, aviation instructor and aviation expert.

The pilot managed to get out of the oppression. Neither the helicopter nor its crew suffered. However, there were errors that almost led to the tragedy.

– He should not perform a flat start straight ahead, not knowing and having full information on potential obstacles – says Bartłomiej Florczak, deputy director for training matters of the Air Ambulance Service.

In a situation where the pilot is not sure that he has a free way to leave, he should rise vertically. Such a start is more burdened with engines, but in a situation where there is no certainty that they are near the obstacle, it is safer. The pilot chose another variant.

– One hundred percent risk cannot be eliminated. Risk appears where there is a person – emphasizes prof. Robert Gałązkowski, former director of the Air Ambulance.

The pilot made another mistake: he did not land immediately after a risky maneuver

Another mistake was that after a risky maneuver, the pilot did not immediately land. – In order to verify the technical condition of the helicopter because he was aware of exceeding the helicopter's operational parameters – explains Bartłomiej Florczak.

The warning signal has automatically turned on, but the pilot continued the flight to the base in Lublin. He managed to fly and the helicopter was tested. It turned out that despite overloads, it was not damaged. The machine may fly, but the pilot has been suspended.

– This is a young, very engaged pilot who also worked on the simulator for years. I look at it a bit so that you have to give him a chance – believes prof. Robert Gałązkowski.

The pilot is to undergo additional tests and training. – This will apply to refreshing a certain range of information, messages, knowledge of procedures and the use of these procedures. There will definitely be a certain operational flight package under the supervision of an experienced commander – says Bartłomiej Florczak.