Accident Overview
On June 22, 2009, a Eurocopter AS350B3 helicopter, bearing Spanish registration EC-IOJ, was destroyed while filling its fire attack system with water during a fire extinguishing operation. The pilot and passenger both were killed.
Sequence of Events
According to several witness statements, the helicopter had completed the refill operation and began a climb to continue the mission. At that moment, the water tank unloaded, and the cable link to the tank rebounded and coiled into the main rotor system. The helicopter immediately began an emergency descent and subsequently impacted the terrain.
Investigation
The accident investigation is under the jurisdiction and control of the Comision de Investigacion de Accidentes e Incidentes de Aviacion Civil of Spain (CIAIAC). Further information may be obtained from the Ministerio de Fomento, Comision de Investigacion de Accidentes e Incidentes de Aviacion Civil, C/ Fruela, 6, Primera Planta, 28011 Madrid, Spain.