Synopsis
On 11 October 2018, an EC-130 B4 helicopter, registered S2-AHW and operated by ATL Aviation (Pvt) Ltd, was involved in an accident at Godagari, Rajshahi District, Bangladesh. The helicopter had departed Godagari at 0840 UTC on a corporate passenger flight to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka. Immediately after take-off, at an altitude of approximately 60-70 feet, the helicopter experienced a sharp right swing with a nose-down attitude and a sudden emission of smoke from the exhaust, indicating a suspected engine failure. The helicopter crash landed on a building that was under construction, impacting its pillars. The helicopter sustained damage beyond economic repair. The pilot and all six passengers on board survived with very minor injuries. Evacuation was carried out with assistance from the pilot and local people. No fire was observed.
Factual Information
History of Flight
- Date: 11 October 2018
- Call Sign: S2-AHW
- Aircraft Type: EC-130 B4
- Operator: ATL Aviation (Pvt) Ltd
- Type of Operation: Non-Scheduled Corporate Passenger Flight
- Last Point of Departure: Godagari, District Rajshahi
- Time of Departure: 0840 UTC
- Point of Intended Landing: Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka (VGHS)
- Time of Accident: 0840 UTC (1440 LT)
- Phase of Flight: Take-off (initial climb)
Damage to Aircraft
The helicopter was damaged beyond economic repair. No other damage was reported.
Personnel Information
- Pilot in Command: Bangladeshi, age 55, holder of CPL(H) No. 720 valid until 25 November 2022, with current ratings on EC-130. Total flying experience: 4883:00 hours; on type: 319:00 hours. Last mandatory check: 05 August 2018. He had rested more than 72 hours prior to the flight. Medical status: Class 1 valid until 22 October 2018.
- Passengers: Six passengers were on board.
Aircraft Information
- Model: EC 130 B4
- Manufacturer: Airbus
- Registration: S2-AHW
- Manufacturer Serial Number: (not specified)
- Engine: Ariel Turbomeca 2B1
- Certificate of Airworthiness: Valid until 23 November 2018
- Fuel Used: JET A-1
- Take-off Weight at Godagari: 2375 kg
Meteorological Information
Due to a cyclonic formation in the Bay of Bengal, weather was cloudy with occasional rain during the flight from Dhaka to Godagari. During the stopover, continuous rain occurred at the landing place. At the time of take-off from Godagari, occasional moderate to heavy rain was observed, though rain subsided temporarily.
Aids to Navigation and Communications
Satisfactory communications were maintained. No flight recorders were fitted.
Fire and Tests
There was no evidence of fire. Further tests and research, including retrieval and analysis of the VEMD and DECU, are ongoing.
Investigation Status
The investigation is ongoing. The aircraft wreckage was recovered and brought to Dhaka under the instruction of the AAIT. A final report will be published upon completion.