History of the Flight
On Sunday, 4 August 2013, an Airbus Helicopters AS-350-B3 aircraft, registration EC-KIE, operated by Inaer, was involved in firefighting operations near Puebla del Maestre (Badajoz, Spain). After making several water drops, the pilot returned to base at Calera de León to refuel and rest. During the break, the pilot was informed that the fire was under control and instructed to return to the usual base in Valencia de Alcántara. The pilot placed the Bambi bucket in its basket, took off, and set course for the fire area to pick up the firefighting squad.
Approaching the area, the pilot was asked to fly over a spot to check for reflash. Seeing flames, the pilot reported and was instructed to drop water. The pilot radioed the squad leader and proceeded to land on a section of the old EX103 road. After landing, four squad members approached; two entered the helicopter. The pilot instructed them to deploy the Bambi bucket. Three members took the bucket out and laid it in front of the helicopter. Two moved away, and one stayed near the bucket to test its opening system. The pilot saw the firefighter walk to the front and disappear under the nose.
Suddenly, the helicopter started bouncing with increasing intensity. Fearing for the firefighter underneath, the pilot decided to take off. Upon pulling the collective, the helicopter climbed but the motions became more intense. The firefighter hooked himself to the right skid, remaining attached until a forward motion freed him. The pilot lost control, and the helicopter ended on its right side. The pilot, uninjured, stopped the engine and cut fuel and power, exiting with squad assistance.
Injuries to Persons
The firefighter who was underneath the helicopter sustained minor injuries from cuts, likely caused by blade fragments that detached during the accident.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft suffered significant damage affecting the landing gear, main rotor, anti-torque rotor, tail cone, and horizontal stabilizer.
Personnel Information
The pilot, aged 28, held a CPL(H) license valid until 28/01/2018 with ratings for AS350/EC150/SP and forestry (firefighting). Total flight hours: 1,250; hours on type: 100. The 2013 was the pilot's third firefighting campaign.
Aircraft Information
The Airbus Helicopters AS-350-B3 (serial number 4286, built 2007) had one Turbomeca Arriel 2B1 engine. Airworthiness review certificate valid until 12/07/2014. Total aircraft hours: 1,355; engine hours: 1,211; landings: 4,066.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The accident occurred on a section of the old EX-103 road, which was cut off at either end by a left turn in the new road. The landing area was about 10 m wide with mixed pavement. The helicopter came to rest on its right side near the edge of an incline, with its longitudinal axis facing north (005°). The aircraft was resting on the right side of the cockpit, main rotor, and right horizontal stabilizer. The tail rotor detached and was found on the ditch of the new road. Main rotor blades fractured. Part of the right skid detached. Elliptical and parallel marks were found near the nose. The friction mechanism for cyclic and collective controls was at minimum friction; collective pitch control was not locked down.