What happened
On April 6, 2024, at 15:35 UTC, a Eurocopter AS355NP, registration EC-LCD, was performing a special operation near the La Maliciosa peak in the Sierra de Guadarrama, Madrid. The mission involved positioning rescuers to assist an individual experiencing a medical emergency.
After the aircraft had deployed two rescuers to the site, the rotor blades made contact with nearby rock formations. This contact caused damage to the blades, leading the pilot to lose control of the aircraft. The helicopter subsequently impacted the ground a short distance from where the rescuers had just disembarked. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft. While the pilot and the rescuers remained uninjured, the support mechanic on board sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation initially focused on gathering flight data and examining potential technical failures that may have triggered the accident. Investigators are currently reviewing organizational information regarding the use of the aircraft and the crew's operations.