What happened
On 4 September 2024, a Bell 206L1 helicopter, registration SE-JPB, was performing a commercial cargo mission in the mountains of Hattfjelldal, Norway. The mission involved transporting wooden planks via sling load to assist in the maintenance of a mountain path near Susendal. During the landing phase in the rugged terrain, the rear portion of the right skid made contact with the ground sooner than the pilot anticipated. This unexpected contact triggered a dynamic rollover, causing the aircraft to tip onto its right side.
The impact resulted in extensive damage to the helicopter. A task specialist on board sustained minor head injuries involving significant bleeding, though no fatalities occurred during the incident.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanics of the rollover and the emergency preparedness of the crew. Investigators established that the accident took place in a remote, deserted area where communication was severely restricted. While the aircraft was equipped with a GSM-based tracking system, the helicopter was outside of GSM coverage at the time of the crash. Furthermore, the investigation found that the aircraft's Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) lacked position-transmitting capabilities, and the crew lacked alternative emergency communication tools, such as a satellite phone.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a dynamic rollover initiated when the right skid struck the terrain unexpectedly during landing.
- The operator failed to carry required survival equipment as mandated by operational standards.
- There was a lack of adequate emergency communication options available to the crew due to the absence of satellite communication tools and the lack of position-reporting capabilities on the onboard ELT.
Safety action
Due to the lack of communication and survival gear, the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority has issued a safety recommendation to the Inland Helicopter Forum (SFI). The recommendation urges the development of clearer guidelines for ordering helicopter services to ensure that necessary emergency and survival equipment is present on board for missions of this nature.