What happened
On 18 September 2008, a Sikorsky S-76B helicopter, registered N399BH, was involved in an accident in Bettystown, Co. Meath. Prior to the incident, the aircraft had landed on a nearby beach to disembark two passengers. To avoid the growing crowd of onlookers gathering around the aircraft, the pilot decided to relocate the helicopter to a car park located approximately 100 metres away in the village centre.
While performing a vertical "tower" descent into the restricted space of the car park, the rear left side of the main rotor disk made contact with a 6-metre-high lamppost. The rotor first struck the light fitting at the top of the post before hitting the steel support pole. This impact caused the helicopter to rotate clockwise and roll to the left. Upon hitting the ground, the main rotor disintegrated and the tail rotor struck a low wall. The impact triggered an immediate fire.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of the descent and the physical contact between the aircraft and the infrastructure. Investigators examined the wreckage and the site of the impact. To date, the investigation has not found any evidence of mechanical or technical failure within the aircraft itself.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the main rotor disk striking a lamppost during a vertical descent.
- The pilot was attempting to move the aircraft to a more secure location to avoid interference from bystanders.
- The accident resulted in the destruction of the helicopter and caused significant damage to nearby vehicles and properties due to flying debris.
- The pilot escaped the burning wreckage without assistance.
- Two bystanders sustained minor injuries during the event.