Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Rotorcraft; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 5000; Flight Crew Type 800
Communication Breakdown; Distraction; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Exited Penetrated Airspace
Airspace Structure; Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
In flying return flight from ZZZ1 to ZZZ2 at 3;000 feet; we were anticipating B clearance into the ZZZ 1;500 feet shelf northeast of ZZZ VOR. This expectation was due to the fact that clearance was received shortly before going the same route but opposite direction; and that ZZZ was landing Runway XX; so arrivals would not be a factor in receiving clearance.  We were receiving VFR flight following from ZZZ1 followed by ZZZ1 [TRACON]. Upon hand off to ZZZ Approach frequency from ZZZ1 [TRACON]; the frequency was extremely congested. We established two-way communication and made initial Bravo request with ZZZ around ZZZ [VOR]; but only received 'radar contact' in return with no further clearance. I queried the Controller at least two more times for clarification; but communication was blocked and the frequency was extremely congested. We initiated descent near ZZZZZ [Intersection] to avoid the 1;500 feet class B shelf; but may have penetrated the B airspace in the descent down to 1;400 feet MSL.  We remained below the floor of the Bravo and received no further communication from ZZZ until handoff to ZZZ2 Approach near ZZZZZ1 [Intersection].Contributing factors leading to this possible deviation are that the PF was the senior pilot on the flight and is very experienced in the area but may have been somewhat out of practice as COVID has significantly decreased flying. Also; the Controller seemed to be slightly overwhelmed; possibly working multiple frequencies; we weren't anticipating the business of the frequency although we should have known better. Additionally; the strong tailwind increased ground speed; although the descent was rapid; the ground covered during descent was greater than normal. Finally; as we just flew the same route the opposite direction; we were (falsely) anticipating the B clearance.While these factors are no excuse for possibly entering the airspace without clearance; the notion that business is picking up again means we all need to be more diligent in our planning and flight execution. As Captain; I should have anticipated not receiving the B clearance; and planned descent accordingly.
Pilot reported a Class B airspace violation and cited ATC communication issues and the co-pilot's lack of recent flying as contributing factors.