What happened
On the evening of 28 August 2002, a Bell 206B JetRanger II, registration EI-ONE, crashed into the southern side of Croaghskearda near Lispole, Dingle, Co Kerry. The flight began following a refueling stop at Kerry Airport, where the pilot had landed to prepare for a return trip to Tralee Racecourse to collect passengers.
During the final leg of the flight, the pilot encountered deteriorating weather. Witnesses in the area reported seeing the helicopter flying at very low altitudes and low speeds through dense fog and extremely restricted visibility, with some estimating visibility as low as 2/20 meters. While the pilot intended to navigate via Slea Head, evidence suggests the aircraft actually entered the Trabeg Inlet area. The helicopter struck the terrain at approximately 950 feet altitude. The pilot was fatally injured upon impact, and a post-crash fire destroyed much of the wreckage.
The investigation
The AAIU investigation examined the pilot's flight history, meteorological conditions, and the aircraft's technical state. The investigation established that the helicopter was mechanically sound and properly maintained, with no evidence of engine failure or fire prior to the impact.
Investigators analyzed ATC transcripts and witness accounts, which confirmed the aircraft was being maneuvered in mountainous terrain under conditions that fell below the legal limits for Visual Flight Rules (VFR). The inquiry also looked into the pilot's experience, noting that while the pilot was licensed and medically fit, much of his recent experience was in instructional flying rather than the demanding operational conditions encountered during this mission. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the pilot did not hold an instrument rating, making him reliant on surface visual references to maintain terrain clearance.
Findings
- The pilot was unable to maintain clearance from terrain after inadvertently entering Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) while operating under VFR.
- The aircraft was maneuvering through hilly terrain in very poor weather and restricted visibility.
- The pilot did not adhere to the minimum height requirements or VFR limitations established by the IAA.
- The pilot lacked sufficient operational experience in the specific, demanding weather conditions faced during the flight.
- The pilot believed he was rounding Slea Head when he was actually entering the Trabeg Inlet.
Safety action
Following the investigation, the AAIU issued two safety recommendations:
- A request for the IAA to clarify regulations regarding aircraft that are maintained under a Public Transport AOC but operated in the Private Category.
- A recommendation for the IAA to emphasize the potential for mobile telephone use to act as a distraction to pilots within the general aviation community.