Accident Overview
On August 9, 2016, at approximately 15:08 Japan Standard Time, an Agustawestland AW139 rotorcraft, registration JA968A, operated by the Japan Coast Guard, sustained damage during a landing on a sandy beach at Hanabuchi-hama in Shichi-ga-hama Town, Miyagi Prefecture. The helicopter had been dispatched from Sendai Air Base for a sea rescue mission following a typhoon.
Flight History
The rotorcraft, with seven persons on board including a captain, co-pilot, flight mechanic, flight communicator, an airman, and two mobile rescuers, arrived at the rescue site about 22 km northeast of Sendai Airport at around 14:43. Strong winds from a passing typhoon caused downdrafts and large waves. While descending, an aural warning indicated the landing gear was not extended at approximately 150 ft altitude, but the captain silenced it to avoid hindering the rescue. The rotorcraft hovered at about 60 ft, hoisted two survivors, and then moved to the sandy beach to deliver them.
Landing and Damage
The captain decided to land on the beach due to the survivors' condition. Prior to landing, he was occupied with monitoring wind, coordinating with ground personnel, and ensuring safety. As a result, he did not perform the landing checklist and was unaware that the landing gear was not extended. The rotorcraft touched down on the sloped beach; the captain noticed the lower-than-normal eye level and immediately checked the landing gear controls, discovering the gear was retracted. After the first landing, the crew briefly lifted off, extended the gear, and landed again. The rotorcraft then flew back to Sendai Airport without further issues. Subsequent inspection revealed damage to the fuselage bottom: deformed outer skin panels and frames, a damaged Heli-Tele antenna, a damaged VHF antenna, collapsed hoist light cover, and a cracked searchlight glass.
Crew and Aircraft Information
The captain, aged 48, held a commercial pilot certificate for rotorcraft and had 5,170 total flight hours, with 827 hours on the AW139. The co-pilot, aged 24, had 238 total flight hours. The aircraft, an Agustawestland AW139 serial number 31360, was manufactured on August 5, 2011, and had a valid airworthiness certificate. No injuries were reported.
Meteorological Conditions
At the time, maximum instantaneous wind speed was 27 kt from the northwest, and wind at 15:00 was 9 kt from the west-northwest. The captain reported wind speed at landing as 25 kt from the northwest.
Conclusion
The accident was investigated by the Japan Transport Safety Board. The investigation found no abnormalities in the landing gear system or warning devices.