What happened
On 21 June 2013, an AS 300 B3 helicopter, registration VT-PED, operated by M/s Prabhatam Aviation Pvt. Ltd., was performing rescue operations in the aftermath of flash floods in Uttarakhand. The aircraft was conducting a series of sorties between Phata Helipad, Kedarnath Ji Shrine, and Rambara to evacuate stranded pilgrims.
During the third rescue sortie to the Rambara helipad, the aircraft landed at a temporary site situated at approximately 8,500 feet. Upon landing, a sudden surge of pilgrims rushed toward the helicopter in an attempt to board. In an effort to avoid the advancing crowd, the pilot attempted an immediate takeoff without passengers. During this maneuver, the main rotor blades struck a nearby mountain cliff. The impact caused the helicopter to rotate 90 degrees, leading the tail rotor to strike the mountain as well. The tail boom sheared off, and the aircraft subsequently impacted the ground. There were no fatalities or injuries reported, and the pilot was successfully rescued by an Indian Air Force helicopter.
The investigation
AAIB India examined the wreckage and analyzed data from the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD). The investigation confirmed that the recorded engine failures were consistent with the rotor blades making contact with the terrain.
The inquiry also reviewed the condition of the temporary helipad at Rambara, noting it was constructed at the end of a road curve on a slope with loose soil and tiles. The investigation found that the aircraft was in a serviceable condition and the pilot held valid licenses and medical certification. However, the investigation noted that the pilot had not completed the mandatory five hours of simulator training for critical emergencies as required by civil aviation regulations.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the main rotor blades striking a mountain cliff during an emergency takeoff attempt to avoid an unruly crowd.
- The temporary helipad at Rambara was improperly constructed and located, featuring significant obstructions and a sloped, unstable surface.
- Inadequate crowd control at the landing site allowed pilgrims to rush the aircraft during the landing phase.
- The pilot had not undergone required simulator training for critical emergency procedures.
- Visibility at the time of the accident was estimated at 2-3 km, which was below the operator's standard operating procedure of 5 km for VFR operations.