History of the Flight
On 23 May 2022, at 10:00 hrs, the pilot of a Eurocopter AS350B3e helicopter, registration F-HCHB, began duty at the Forest Air Base in Brynek. At 10:40 hrs, the pilot was dispatched to fight a forest fire in the municipality of Świerklaniec. The helicopter took off at 10:44 hrs and performed eight water drops, drawing water from the nearby Rogoźnik Lake using an underslung bambi bucket. During the refilling of the bambi bucket, the helicopter collided with the surface of the lake.
Aircraft Information
The helicopter was a Eurocopter AS350B3e, manufactured by Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter), with registration marks F-HCHB. The operator was Helipoland Sp. z o.o. The aircraft was equipped with a bambi bucket for water retrieval and was engaged in firefighting operations.
Injuries to Persons
The pilot sustained minor injuries and was able to exit the sinking wreckage unassisted.
Damage to Aircraft
The helicopter was destroyed as a result of the impact with the lake surface.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The helicopter struck the water while attempting to refill the bambi bucket. The wreckage sank and was later recovered. The exact impact attitude and sequence are detailed in the investigation report.
Other Damage
No other damage was reported.
Meteorological Information
The source does not provide specific meteorological data for the time of the accident.
Aids to Navigation and Communications
No information regarding navigation aids or communications is included in the source.
Flight Recorders
Flight data recorders were installed and their data were analyzed with assistance from the French safety investigation authority (BEA).
Conclusions
The investigation concluded that the accident involved a loss of control in flight (LOC-I). The probable cause is not explicitly stated in the provided source; thus, no cause is assigned here.