What happened
On August 27, 2002, at approximately 14:15 local time, an Eurocopter AS-350-B (registration EC-ERE) was performing an aerial inspection of power lines near Sarria, Lugo. After completing the day's work, the crew intended to park the aircraft at an electrical substation until the following day. During the landing phase within the substation perimeter, the main rotor blades struck a metal structure belonging to the facility. This impact caused the aircraft to lose control and fall to the ground from an altitude of approximately one to two meters. The collision also damaged a perimeter fence gate.
The investigation
The investigation established that weather conditions at the time of the accident were favorable, with visibility exceeding 10 kilometers, scattered clouds, and winds estimated at 10 knots. According to the pilot's statement, as the aircraft approached the landing site, a wind gust or potentially the rotor wash rebounding off the nearby building destabilized the aircraft. This caused the main rotor blades to graze the metal sheets of the building, leading to the subsequent loss of control and the impact with the terrain.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the use of an inadequate landing area.
- The available space between the building, the fence, and other obstacles was insufficient for safe operations.
- The landing site was characterized by restricted dimensions, making it unsuitable for standard takeoff and landing procedures.
- The aircraft sustained important damage to the transmission, landing gear, and airframe, while both the main and tail rotor blades were destroyed. All 3 occupants remained uninjured.