What happened
On the early morning of 14 March 2017, a Sikorsky S-92A helicopter, registered as EI-ICR, was performing a specialized mission on behalf of the Irish Coast Guard. Operating under the call sign Rescue 116, the aircraft was traveling from Dublin toward Blacksod, Co. Mayo. The mission profile involved providing top cover for a second helicopter that was engaged in a medical evacuation from a fishing vessel located roughly 14 and a half nautical miles off the western coast of Ireland. The crew intended to stop at Blacksod to refuel before continuing their support duties.
At approximately 00:46 hrs, while the aircraft was maneuvering for an approach to Blacksod from the west, it was flying at an altitude of 200 feet above the sea. During this phase of flight, the helicopter struck terrain at the western edge of Black Rock. The impact caused the aircraft to depart from controlled flight and subsequently crash into the ocean.
The investigation
Following the accident, search and rescue operations were launched immediately. The commander was located in the water southeast of Black Rock but unfortunately passed away shortly after being found. Divers from the naval service later recovered the co-pilot from the cockpit area of the wreckage, which settled on the seabed at a depth of about 40 meters near the southeastern tip of the rock. While the main wreckage was identified, extensive surface and underwater searches failed to locate the two rear crew members, who remain missing.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in a low-altitude positioning maneuver near coastal terrain.
- The collision with terrain at the western end of Black Rock was the primary event leading to the loss of control and the subsequent impact with the sea.
- The accident resulted in two fatalities and the loss of two additional crew members.