What happened
On 4 December 2013, a Ka-32A helicopter, registered as HL9404, was performing a routine transport mission in Antarctica. Operated by Changwoon Aviation, the aircraft was ferrying construction workers and materials between the Jang Bogo Station and the icebreaker Araon.
As the crew attempted to land on the shipboard heliport, the helicopter's lower main rotor blades struck the upper-right corner of an auxiliary hangar that had been left extended. The impact caused the aircraft to lose stability, causing it to flip over. The subsequent rollover triggered a fire that completely destroyed the aircraft. While there were no fatalities, the accident resulted in two serious and nine minor injuries among the crew and passengers.
The investigation
The ARAIB investigation focused on the flight path, the configuration of the shipboard heliport, and the management of the landing site. Investigators examined CCTV footage from the Araon, analyzed flight recorder data, and reviewed the aircraft's maintenance and weight and balance records. The probe also looked into the regulatory compliance of the heliport installation and the presence of safety personnel during the operation.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the lower main rotor blades striking the auxiliary hangar, which led to the aircraft flipping and catching fire.
- The captain made an inadequate decision by proceeding with the landing despite the narrow space created by the extended hangars.
- The pilot demonstrated insufficient hazard awareness, failing to detect the proximity of the obstacle during the approach.
- The approach was conducted in a starboard direction, which deviated from the prescribed allowable heading and prevented the pilot from consistently monitoring obstacles.
- There was a lack of essential safety oversight, as the Araon did not have a helicopter landing officer (HLO) or a dedicated safety officer on board to provide guidance or manage contingencies.
- The shipboard heliport was being used for operations while the hangars were in an extended position, indicating inadequate safety management controls.
Safety action
- The ARAIB recommended that Changwoon Aviation implement pilot training programs focused on hazard awareness and the necessity of eliminating risks before proceeding with flights.
- Recommendations were made to the Korea Polar Research Institute to ensure all shipboard heliport installations undergo proper legal review and to ensure an HLO is present during all helicopter operations.
- The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries was advised to incorporate heliport installation inspections into standard vessel inspection guidelines.