What happened
On the night of 14 March 2017, a Sikorsky S-92A helicopter, registration EI-ICR, was conducting a search and rescue top cover mission near Black Rock, Co. Mayo. The mission was initiated to support another aircraft performing a medical evacuation from a fishing vessel.
While descending toward Blacksod to refuel, the crew was navigating at a low radio altitude. During the descent, the aircraft was maneuvering near the waypoint BLKMO. Flight data indicates that while the helicopter was in stable flight at 200 feet, it suddenly pitched up rapidly and struck the western end of Black Rock. The impact caused the aircraft to depart from controlled flight and resulted in the destruction of the helicopter.
Following the crash, the two pilots were recovered from the water, but two rear crew members remained missing despite extensive search efforts.
The investigation
The AAIU examined wreckage recovered from the site, which showed clear evidence of terrain contact, particularly in the tail rotor and intermediate gearbox areas. Investigators also reviewed Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) data. The CVR recordings captured the crew discussing the approach and identifying a small island ahead, followed by automated warnings for "SMOKE IN BAGGAGE" and "TOO LOW GEAR" just before the impact.
Findings
- The helicopter was in a nose-high attitude at the moment of impact with the terrain.
- The aircraft was operating at a low radio altitude of 200 feet during its approach to the waypoint.
- The investigation identified a potential issue with the placement of locator beacons in lifejackets, where the proximity of the GPS antenna to the beacon might interfere with effective operation.
Safety action
As part of the preliminary investigation, the AAIU issued two interim safety recommendations:
- The operator should review all route guides used for SAR operations to improve the clarity of information regarding obstacle heights, terrain clearance, and vertical profiles.
- The manufacturer of the lifejackets should review the installation of locator beacons to ensure sufficient separation from GPS antennas, as recommended by the beacon manufacturer.