Incident Overview
On January 26, 2017, at 14:28 local time, a HEMS helicopter crew from the Sanok base conducted a flight to a ski slope accident in Puławy Górne, Podkarpackie Voivodeship. The helicopter, an EC 135 P2+, landed without incident. A snowmobile operated by a ski lift employee was waiting approximately 20–30 meters away, positioned with its back toward the helicopter.
Collision and Injuries
A doctor and a GOPR rescuer, along with medical equipment, boarded the snowmobile. The driver, without verifying the position of the direction lever, reversed rapidly toward the helicopter, striking it. The snowmobile's rear collided with the right rear fuselage and skid of the helicopter. The doctor sustained a head injury and was subsequently transported by a HEMS crew from Krakow to a hospital in Rzeszów. The rescuer suffered minor injuries and received on-site treatment from a medical team from Krosno. A third person was uninjured.
Damage and Recovery
The helicopter suffered damage to its right ski, step, platform mount, external power receptacle, right side skin, and a frame section in the lower right fuselage, including composite structure. The snowmobile's casing and medical equipment, including a defibrillator, were also damaged. As on-site repair was not possible, Airbus Helicopters was consulted for technical ferry conditions. EASA and the Polish Civil Aviation Authority granted approval, and on January 30, the helicopter was ferried to a maintenance facility in Warsaw-Babice without further incident. After repair and recertification, the helicopter returned to service.
Cause
The investigation determined the cause: the snowmobile driver did not confirm the position of the direction lever before moving.
Preventive Actions
The operator briefed all operational personnel on the incident and mandated the use of protective helmets for operational staff in situations requiring such protection across all HEMS bases.