What happened
On the evening of 17 June 2021, a Robinson R44 Raven I helicopter, registration LN-OGT, crashed on the shoulder of the E18 road in Eidanger, Norway. The flight began as a mission to transport a passenger from Fornebu to Kvinesdal. While the initial leg of the journey proceeded under favorable conditions, the return flight encountered significantly worsening weather, including rain and thunderstorms.
As visibility and light levels declined, the pilot continued the flight at a decreasing altitude. Witnesses observed the aircraft flying very low to the ground shortly before it struck power lines spanning the E18 highway at a height of approximately 13 meters. The impact severed two cables, causing the helicopter to enter a near free-fall. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, sustained fatal injuries upon impact.
The investigation
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) examined the flight planning, meteorological conditions, and the pilot's decision-making process. The investigation established that the pilot had planned the mission despite forecasts for thunderstorms and rain in the area. Investigators also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance records and found no mechanical irregularities that contributed to the accident.
Analysis of the flight path showed that the pilot had previously landed near Tveitvatnet lake to wait out weather, but chose to resume the flight under the belief that conditions were improving. The investigation also looked into the use of tablet-based navigation, noting that such software may not be an effective primary tool for obstacle avoidance during low-altitude flight in poor visibility.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot pushing the weather, continuing to fly at a very low altitude as visibility and light conditions deteriorated.
- The pilot possessed limited experience and likely lacked sufficient proficiency in operating within weather conditions near minimum visibility requirements.
- The aircraft struck power lines at a height of only 13 meters, leading to an immediate loss of control.
- The pilot was not wearing a helmet, which likely contributed to the severity of the fatal head injuries sustained during the impact.