Background
On 10 November 2007, a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, registration CS-HMG, operated by Empresa de Meios Aéreos, S.A. (EMA), was involved in an accident during a firefighting operation. The aircraft was tasked with combating a forest fire in the Serra da Peneda, near Parada do Monte, Melgaço.
Flight History
The helicopter departed from the Fafe air base at approximately 13:20 UTC, carrying the pilot and a four-member firefighting team from the GNR (GIPS). After landing near a wind farm close to the fire to drop off the team, it proceeded south to a water collection point at an altitude of 985 meters. The pilot filled the Bambi Bucket (model 2732S, capacity reduced to 980 liters) and returned to the fire area.
At around 14:00, while positioning for a water drop in a south-north direction, the helicopter executed a left turn. During the turn, the bucket oscillated significantly, and the helicopter began to rotate, ultimately crashing near the GNR team. The impact was violent, and a fire ensued.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot, the sole occupant, perished in the accident. No other injuries were reported. The helicopter was destroyed by impact and subsequent fire. No third-party damage occurred.
Pilot Information
The pilot was 43 years old, Portuguese, holding a Commercial Pilot License (Helicopter) valid until 30 June 2008, with type ratings for AS350/350B3 and no restrictions. He completed his commercial helicopter course in May 2005, which did not include mountain flight training. He began firefighting training in June 2007 and had performed 56 water drops by October, including 35 dual-command emergency maneuvers. His total flight experience was 820:55 hours, with 617:50 hours on type.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Eurocopter AS350 B3, serial number 4196, manufactured in 2007. It was equipped with a Turbomeca Arriel 2D1 engine. The helicopter was fitted with a Bambi Bucket 2732S system, capable of holding 1225 liters, though it was strapped to 80% capacity (980 liters) for this operation. Maintenance was performed by a certified company. The helicopter had accumulated 17:20 hours total time at the time of the accident.
Accident Site
The accident occurred in mountainous terrain with steep slopes and narrow deep valleys. Weather conditions included some clouds, smoke, mist, moderate turbulence, and easterly winds of 15 to 35 km/h with gusts up to 30 km/h, occasionally reaching 46-50 km/h.
Investigation
The investigation was conducted by the Gabinete de Prevenção e Investigação de Acidentes com Aeronaves (GPIAA). The report notes that the pilot lost control while positioning for a water drop. The probable cause, if any, is not included in the available excerpts.