What happened
On January 26, 2017, at 14:28 LMT, a crew from the Sanok branch of a HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) operator was performing a medical mission to a ski slope in Puławym Górnym, Poland. The flight, conducted in an EC 135 P2+, proceeded normally through takeoff, transit, and landing.
Upon landing, a snowmobile was positioned approximately 20 to 30 meters from the aircraft, facing away from the helicopter. The snowmobile was occupied by a ski lift employee, a physician, and a mountain rescue (GOPR) rescuer, along with medical equipment. As the medical team prepared to board the snowmobile to reach a patient on the slope, the driver of the snowmobile accelerated backward toward the aircraft. This maneuver resulted in a collision between the rear of the snowmobile and the right rear section of the helicopter's fuselage and skid.
The investigation
The investigation established that the collision caused significant damage to both vehicles. The helicopter sustained damage to the right skid, step, footrest mounting, external power socket, fuselage skin, and the right lower frame/composite structure. The snowmobile's housing and a defibrillator were also damaged.
Following the incident, the operator sought authorization from EASA and the Polish Civil Aviation Authority (ULC) to ferry the aircraft to a maintenance station in Warsaw-Babice. The ferry flight was completed successfully on January 30, 2017, after which the aircraft was repaired and returned to service.
Findings
- The primary cause of the collision was the snowmobile driver's failure to verify the position of the directional control lever before accelerating.
- The collision resulted in two serious injuries (a head injury to the physician and minor injuries to the rescuer).
- Weather conditions did not contribute to the incident.