Flight History
The pilot of Robinson R44 Raven I, registration LN-OSS, was conducting a private flight from Mandal to Jessheim with a scheduled stopover at Trollnes, northeast of Arendal, to pick up a passenger. The accident occurred on Sunday, 25 June 2023, at approximately 1320 hours local time.
Injuries and Damage
Both the pilot and the single passenger sustained minor injuries. The helicopter was completely destroyed after impacting rocks on the shoreline. There was no fire, and no fuel leaks occurred due to crash-resistant fuel tanks.
Personnel and Aircraft Information
The helicopter was privately operated and owned by Company LN-OSS AS (later renamed Helisys AS). The pilot held a private license. The passenger had no prior helicopter flight experience. Neither occupant was wearing a helmet or a life jacket during the flight, and no safety briefing was given before departure.
Accident Site and Sequence
The landing site at Trollnes was located on a shoreline with a steep slope at its rear. Video footage from a witness on the ground and from a camera inside the helicopter documented the landing attempt. The pilot misjudged the helicopter's position relative to the edge of the landing site, resulting in a touchdown closer to the slope than intended. When the collective was lowered, the helicopter's weight transferred to the skids, causing it to tip backward and crash onto the rocks. The helicopter came to rest in shallow water after the impact.
Survival Aspects
The NSIA noted that several protective measures were absent: no helmets, life jackets, or pre-flight safety briefing. The approach path included flight over open water. The accident could have resulted in more severe harm to the occupants. The pilot was not part of any formal flight operations community, which could have provided experience sharing and safety awareness. The NSIA considered the landing site marginally suitable in general, and especially for a pilot with limited experience.