What happened
On September 24, 2008, a Bell 206B helicopter, registration LN-OAR, was conducting local training maneuvers at Eggemoen Airfield. The pilot, who had recently completed his private pilot training, began the flight with the intention of practicing landings and takeoffs on a nearby grass field. While the visibility at the airfield was approximately 2,000 meters, the surrounding area was experiencing heavy fog.
During a climbing turn at approximately 600 feet, the aircraft entered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). In an attempt to return to visual conditions, the pilot continued the turn, which caused the aircraft to lose visual references and become disoriented. The pilot attempted to recover the aircraft by reducing speed and then applying full control inputs. As the aircraft emerged from the cloud layer, it was in a steep, nose-down attitude. The tail rotor struck treetops, causing a loss of control, and the helicopter subsequently collided with a building, coming to rest on its roof. The pilot escaped the wreckage without significant injuries.
The investigation
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) examined the flight conditions, the pilot's experience, and the aircraft's mechanical state. The investigation established that the aircraft was airworthy and that the engine and main gearbox had recently undergone overhaul. The investigation also noted that Eggemoen Airfield does not issue routine weather observations (METAR), leaving pilots to assess local conditions themselves.
Findings
- The pilot misjudged the weather conditions, failing to recognize that the fog was encroaching on the airfield.
- The aircraft was unintentionally flown into IMC, a condition for which the pilot was not qualified or rated.
- The pilot's low level of experience contributed to an improper reaction to the unexpected loss of visual references, specifically the decision to reduce airspeed during the encounter.
- The loss of control was directly caused by the tail rotor striking trees during the recovery attempt.