Incident Sequence
On 25 April 2003, a Eurocopter AS 350 B3 Ecureuil, registration LN-ODJ, operated by Pegasus Helicopter AS, was engaged in lime spreading (beitemarkskalking) for fruit tree areas near Sekse in Ullensvang, Hordaland, Norway. The pilot in command, a 29-year-old male who had been employed less than two months, was undergoing training in the specific spreading method. An experienced pilot from the company supervised the operation from the ground via radio.
Earlier that day, the pilot conducted a familiarization flight over the area and observed a power line crossing the route to one of the fields (field 1). The line was not marked on the available maps. He first flew one load of lime and spread it on field 1. While transporting the second load, he struck the power line, which was located 200–300 meters from the spreading area and was 31 meters above ground. The helicopter sustained major damage and began rotating about its vertical axis. The helicopter and the underslung lime bucket continued under partial control until they hit the ground on a tractor road approximately 80 meters from the point of impact. The helicopter was destroyed, but the pilot was only battered and otherwise unhurt.
Aircraft and Crew
The helicopter was a Eurocopter AS 350 B3 Ecureuil, registration LN-ODJ, owned and operated by Pegasus Helicopter AS. The pilot was the sole occupant. He held a valid license and was under training for the lime spreading operation. The experienced pilot on the ground had performed the pre-flight inspection that morning and had earlier flown lime spreading before handing over to the trainee.
Investigation Findings
The Accident Investigation Board of Norway (AIBN) determined that the pilot took an unnecessary risk by flying so low at the location in question. The power line was struck during a climb in steep terrain. A greater ground clearance during the transport phase would not have prevented an effective transition to low-level spreading over the field. The AIBN noted that the company had experienced several collisions with suspended wires over a relatively short period. It concluded that the company had insufficiently prioritized structured risk assessments and that procedures for planning and executing lime spreading were incomplete.
Safety Recommendations
Four safety recommendations were made during the investigation, aimed at improving operational procedures and risk management for aerial lime spreading.