Accident Overview
On September 3, 2012, at approximately 0845 UTC, a Robinson R44 helicopter, bearing Spanish registration EC-IVT, was destroyed in an accident near Nyons, France. The helicopter was engaged in a non-scheduled personal flight under visual meteorological conditions. It had departed from Clermont Ferrand Auvergne, France, and was en route to Le Luc Le Cannet, France.
Event Sequence
According to information from the French Bureau d’Enquetes et d’Analyses (BEA), the helicopter was in level cruise flight at an altitude of about 1,500 feet above ground level in a mountainous area, traveling at 110 knots. During this phase, it encountered severe turbulence, which caused the helicopter to depart from controlled flight. Subsequently, it impacted the mountainous terrain.
Fatalities and Damage
The helicopter was destroyed in the impact. The pilot and a passenger on board sustained fatal injuries.
Investigation
The investigation into the accident is under the jurisdiction of the French government. All further information regarding the investigation can be obtained from the BEA.