Serious Helicopter Incident in Trollheimen, Norway (LN-OAL)

Incident Overview and Aircraft DetailsOn 5 July 2014, at 08:20 local time, a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II, registration LN-OAL, was involved in a serious aviation incident in the Trollheimen area of Sør-Trøndelag, Norway. The aircraft, manufactured in 2006 and powered by a Lycoming IO-540AE1A5 engine, was operated by Midtnorsk Helikopterservice AS. The flight was a commercial rein herding operation conducted in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) during daylight hours. The weather was clear with good visibility, a temperature of 16 °C, and a QNH of 1,005 hPa. Winds were recorded at 210° at 10 knots, with gusts up to 20 knots and moderate turbulence. The aircraft was carrying two people: the pilot-in-command and a spotter. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft sustained minor damage, including a bent landing gear.