Accident Narrative
On 29 September 2024, at approximately 09:57 local time, a Bell 206B helicopter, registration EC-EXE, crashed in a fruit tree field on Monte Picayo in the municipality of Puçol, Valencia. The helicopter, operated by BIGAS GRUP HELICOPTERS, had departed from La Llosa aerodrome at 09:03 with three crew members on board. The flight was part of a campaign to inspect low- and medium-voltage power lines in central and eastern Spain; this was the fourth day of the campaign and the third day of actual inspection activity.
After takeoff, the helicopter flew south along the coast to Puerto de Sagunto, where it began inspecting power lines at 09:29. Continuing southward, it reached Puçol and inspected lines parallel to the A7 motorway. The helicopter then proceeded to inspect lines in an urbanization on Monte Picayo. While performing this inspection, the helicopter crossed over a second power line that was not part of the campaign. Seconds later, while executing a left turn to retrace its path, the helicopter impacted that power line.
Witnesses reported a bright flash upon impact, followed by the helicopter descending while spinning nearly vertically and crashing uncontrollably into agricultural terrain. All three occupants died, and the helicopter was destroyed. The accident also caused damage to a section of the Eliana-Morvedre power line.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The accident aircraft was a Bell 206B, serial number not specified, powered by a single Rolls-Royce 250-C20B engine. The pilot, aged 43, held a commercial pilot license and had accumulated 1,148 total flight hours, of which 640 were on the Bell 206 type. The flight was conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) as a specialized aerial work operation at low altitude.
Investigation
The Spanish Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Commission (CIAIAC) opened an investigation. As of the provisional declaration dated 30 July 2025, the investigation has focused on the operational aspects of the flight and the power line inspection procedures, both regulatory and those of the operator as outlined in its operations manual. The investigation is ongoing, and no probable cause has been determined at this stage.