Accident Overview
On 4 September 2024, a Bell 206L1 helicopter, registration SE-JPB, operated by Arctic Air AB, crashed during landing in mountainous terrain south of Susendal in Hattfjelldal, Nordland county, Norway. The helicopter was conducting a mission to transport wooden planks as sling cargo for the improvement of a mountain path.
Sequence of Events
During the landing, the rear part of the right skid struck the ground earlier than the pilot had anticipated. This caused the helicopter to rapidly enter a dynamic rollover situation, resulting in the helicopter tipping onto its right side and coming to rest in that position.
Injuries and Damage
The helicopter sustained extensive damage. The task specialist on board experienced heavy bleeding from the head and suffered minor head injuries. The accident occurred in a remote area with limited communication options.
Safety Recommendations
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority issued safety recommendation Aviation no 2025/01T to the Samarbeidsforum for helikoptersikkerhet innlands (SFI), also referred to as the Inland Helicopter Forum. The recommendation urges SFI to develop guidelines for use when ordering helicopter services. This is intended to ensure that necessary emergency and survival equipment is onboard the helicopter during the actual mission. The investigation noted that the operator had not brought survival equipment in accordance with SPO.IDE.H.200, the helicopter was equipped with an ELT that does not transmit position, and no satellite phone or other emergency communication device was carried. The helicopter had a GSM-based tracking system installed, but it was outside GSM coverage at the time of the accident. The mission was under the auspices of a major government contracting authority.