History of the Flight
On 28 February 2024, at 19:39:46 local time, Sikorsky S-92A registration LN-OIJ, operated by Bristow Norway AS, crashed into the sea approximately 3.5 nautical miles west of Sotra, Vestland County, Norway. The helicopter was conducting a Search and Rescue (SAR) training mission for a rescueman. There were six crew members on board and no passengers.
Accident Sequence
The crew was retrieving a training beacon previously dropped into the sea. They used the SAR Automatic Flight Control System mode "Mark on Top" to align the helicopter into the wind and descend toward 150 feet. Normally, the helicopter pitches nose up to 10–12° to slow down and position over the desired point. In this case, the pitch-up maneuver was not automatically arrested. The helicopter reached a pitch-up attitude of approximately 30°, entered Vortex Ring State, and became unrecoverable. It impacted the sea, immediately filled with water, and capsized.
Survivability and Evacuation
Five of the six occupants evacuated the helicopter. The emergency flotation system did not deploy automatically, and the crew could not release the life rafts. The helicopter sank after a short period. The sixth occupant was found floating lifeless after rescue helicopters arrived. The NSIA believes that occupant was unstrained in the cabin during impact, lost consciousness, and subsequently drowned.
Injuries and Damage
One crew member was fatally injured. The helicopter was destroyed. No other injuries or damage were reported.
Probable Cause
The NSIA concluded that it is likely that LN-OIJ’s pitch trim actuator failed, leading to an excessive pitch-up attitude that was not recognized during a three to six second window. This resulted in loss of control and impact with the sea.