Flight History
On 19 May 2015 at 14:00 local time, a Hughes 369D helicopter, registration EC-LXF, operated by HELITRANS PYRINEES, departed from a temporary heliport in Huércal-Overa (Almería) on a positioning flight to La Seu d'Urgell (Lleida). The aircraft carried two occupants: the pilot and a passenger who was also a helicopter pilot but had no flight duties. Upon reaching the Valencia Terminal Control Area (TMA), the pilot requested to proceed from Cullera to Sagunto along the coastline at or below 1,000 ft, which was authorized by Valencia Approach Control.
Accident Sequence
While flying over the sea, a loud noise was heard in the helicopter. The aircraft began rotating violently to the left while banking to the right. The pilot performed a ditching and issued a MAYDAY call at 15:18. The helicopter fell into the sea and sank. Both occupants exited the aircraft under their own power.
Rescue and Injuries
An aircraft flying in the area received the MAYDAY call and notified Valencia Approach Control. After confirming the loss of radar signal from the helicopter, search and rescue services were activated. Both occupants were rescued alive by a SASEMAR vessel. The pilot sustained minor injuries, and the passenger sustained serious injuries.
Wreckage and Investigation
Despite a months-long underwater search, the helicopter wreckage could not be located. According to statements from the occupants, the investigation determined the most probable cause to be an interruption of power transmitted from the engine to the main transmission through the shaft joining them.
Safety Recommendations
The investigation resulted in four safety recommendations directed to Spain’s National Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) and the General Directorate for Civil Aviation (DGAC) concerning the requirement to carry life jackets on board and the need for water survival training.