What happened
On May 15, 2021, an Airbus Helicopters EC1SB5P2+, registration SP-HXP, operated by Lotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe (LPR), responded to a motorcycle accident near Mostki, Poland. After arriving at the scene and successfully loading a patient, the crew prepared for a VTOL1 takeoff method.
During the ascent, the pilot attempted to increase the collective pitch to maintain altitude as the aircraft was near its maximum takeoff weight. This action caused the engine torque (TRQ) to exceed limits, triggering an audible warning gong. While focused on monitoring the engine parameters to prevent further overtorque, the pilot failed to maintain adequate external surveillance. Consequently, the aircraft drifted toward nearby trees, resulting in the main rotor blades making contact with birch branches. The pilot immediately aborted the maneuver and landed safely at the original takeoff spot.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the aircraft's technical state, the crew's performance, and the environmental conditions. The investigation established that the aircraft was technically airworthy, though a known malfunction in the YAW SAS (yaw stabilization autopilot) system was present. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience, flight logs, and the crew's communication during the critical phase of the takeoff.