Accident Overview
On October 31, 2019, an EC225LP helicopter, registration HL9619, operated by the National 119 Rescue Headquarters, crashed into the sea during takeoff climbing. The accident occurred in the East Sea near Dokdo, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea. The flight was conducted by the National 119 Rescue Headquarters, a government emergency response agency.
Investigation
The Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) of the Republic of Korea conducted the investigation under the provisions of the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Act and Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. The investigation aimed to prevent future accidents and incidents, not to apportion blame or liability.
The report, designated ARAIB/AAR-1903, includes detailed factual information. The flight history section describes the sequence of events leading to the crash. Injuries to persons, damage to aircraft, and other damage were documented. Personnel information includes details on the pilot, co-pilot, mechanic, rescue worker, paramedic, patient, and caregiver. The aircraft information covers general details, maintenance, and weight and balance.
Meteorological information, aids to navigation, and communications were examined. The aerodrome information includes details on Dokdo and the Dokdo Helipad (RKDD), including lighting, an automated synoptic observing system, and a windsock. Flight recorder data from the cockpit voice and flight data recorder (CVFDR), Vision 1000, Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS), and Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) were analyzed.
Wreckage and impact information describes the distribution and damage to the forward fuselage, main rotor, rear fuselage, tail rotor, main gearbox, coupling shaft, and landing gear. Medical and pathological information, fire, and survival aspects including rescue operations and airframe recovery were documented. Testing and research included examination of the airframe, main gearbox, engines, fuel analysis, and acceleration due to gravity.
Organization and management sections cover the National Fire Agency, National 119 Rescue Headquarters, and operational regulations including procedures, flight restrictions, overwater flight, and training. Additional information includes flight procedures for takeoff, approach, landing, and overwater flight, as well as work patterns and night flight considerations.
The probable cause was not stated in the available report text. The investigation remains an objective documentation of the accident facts.