What happened
On June 10, 2017, an Agusta AW 119 MK II helicopter, registration VT-NRK, was performing a charter flight as part of the Chaar Dhaam Yatra in Uttarakhand. The aircraft was departing from the Badrinathji Helipad, heading toward Haridwar, carrying a crew of two and six passengers.
During the initial phase of takeoff, the helicopter was positioned at the edge of a ledge helipad. As the aircraft transitioned from Hover In Ground Effect (HIGE) to Hover Out of Ground Effect (HOGE) conditions while carrying a near-full payload, the pilot experienced a sudden sink. In an attempt to avoid overhead electric cables, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft, which led to a significant yaw and a subsequent impact with the sloping terrain.
While the crew and most passengers evacuated the aircraft with minor injuries, an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) on board was fatally struck by the main rotor blades while attempting to exit the helicopter before it had fully settled.
The investigation
AAIB India examined the flight history, aircraft maintenance records, and the physical wreckage. The investigation confirmed that the Agusta AW 119 MK II was properly maintained and that the crew held valid licenses and medical certifications.
Investigators analyzed the flight path and the specific takeoff positioning. They found that the takeoff was initiated from the forward edge of the ledge helipad, which directly caused the sudden transition into HOGE conditions. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's power setting was likely insufficient to sustain flight during this transition under the heavy load. Furthermore, the investigation highlighted that the presence of power lines in the immediate flight path contributed to the pilot's emergency maneuvering.
Findings
- The transition from HIGE to HOGE conditions during takeoff, combined with a near-maximum payload, caused an unarrested sink.
- The pilot's attempt to avoid electric cables led to a right-rudder overcorrection, which consumed critical power and turned the aircraft into the terrain.
- The aircraft impacted the ground with significant force, causing substantial damage to the fuselage, rotor blades, and landing gear.
- The fatal injury to the AME occurred because the individual exited the aircraft while the main rotors were still spinning at high speed.
- Infrastructure issues were noted, specifically that a compliance report regarding unsafe helipad conditions had not been submitted to the DGCA prior to the accident.
Safety action
- The State of Uttarakhand is encouraged to develop formal procedures for the monitoring and control of Chaar Dhaam operations.
- It is recommended that all necessary infrastructure at government-owned helipads be completed before the start of the pilgrimage season.
- Authorities should consider relocating the power lines that intersect the flight path during takeoff from Badrinathji.
- The DGCA should ensure that all safety observations regarding unsafe helipads are rectified and verified before operations are permitted to continue.