Aircraft Accident Report 3/2014
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) released Report 3/2014 concerning the accident to an Agusta A109E helicopter, registration G-CRST, near Vauxhall Bridge, Central London on 16 January 2013. The investigation was conducted in accordance with Annex 13 to the ICAO Convention on International Civil Aviation, EU Regulation No 996/2010, and The Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations 1996. The sole objective was the prevention of future accidents and incidents, not to apportion blame or liability.
Aircraft and Location
The helicopter was an Agusta A109E, carrying the registration G-CRST. The accident occurred near Vauxhall Bridge in Central London on 16 January 2013. The report details the history of the flight, including narrative of events, text messages and phone calls, and witness information. It also covers injuries to persons, damage to the helicopter, and other damage.
Investigation Details
The report includes sections on personnel information (pilot), aircraft information (description, cockpit instruments, GPS devices including terrain and obstacle warning and database update), meteorological information (Met Office report, weather at Redhill Aerodrome, London City Airport, London Heathrow Airport, and London Heliport), aids to navigation, communications (NOTAM, UK AIS), and aerodrome information. Additionally, flight recorder data, radar data, data from onboard electronics, CCTV, and helicopter operations along H4 in December 2012 were examined.
Wreckage and Impact
The wreckage and impact information, medical and pathological information, fire, survival aspects, and tests and research are presented in the report. Organizational and management information covers relevant regulations such as CAP 393, the Rules of the Air, UK AIP provisions for non-IFR flights, Special VFR flights, London Heliport, Restricted Area R157, air navigation obstacles, and VFR routes. Also included are ATC procedures, the operator’s operations manual, use of personal electronic devices, and safeguarding of aerodromes and airspace.
Additional Information
The report describes the crane involved, planning considerations, Single European Rules of the Air, Regulation (EU) 73/2010 on aeronautical data quality, Defence Geographic Centre, VFR charts, and relevant international developments including NTSB safety recommendations, FAA rulemaking, HEMS operations, operational risk assessment programs, HTAWS, Federal Aviation Regulations, and the European Helicopter Safety Team. The published report contains facts determined up to the time of publication.