Helicopter Crash During Medical Evacuation in Northern Sweden

Casualties unknown • Accident Involving the Helicopter Ambulance SE-JES in the Vicinity of Lake Kamasjaure, 25 km NE Torneträsk, SE

A Sikorsky S-76A medical evacuation helicopter struck the ground during a night landing in heavy snow near Lake Kamasjaure, resulting in one injury.

What happened

In the early hours of 3 April 1999, a medical evacuation mission in northern Sweden ended in a helicopter accident near Lake Kamasjaure. The flight, operated by Norrlandsflyg AB, was tasked with transporting two burn victims from a remote fishing site to medical facilities. The crew, consisting of a pilot, a first officer, a doctor, and a nurse, encountered severe weather conditions characterized by heavy blowing snow, ice crystals, and high winds estimated at 45 knots.

To facilitate a landing in the darkness, the crew used the headlights of snowmobiles at the site as a visual reference. During the execution of a right-hand landing circuit, the pilot lost visual contact with these lights due to the intense blowing snow. As the aircraft descended, the pilot misjudged the altitude, leading the Sikorsky S-76A, registration SE-JES, to strike the ground approximately 300 meters from the intended landing spot. The impact caused the aircraft to roll onto its left side. While the crew and passengers survived, the doctor sustained a minor back injury.

The investigation

The Swedish Board of Accident Investigation (SHK) examined the flight history, meteorological data, and the aircraft's mechanical state. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy and that no technical malfunctions contributed to the crash. Investigators also reviewed the company's operational procedures and the effectiveness of the emergency response.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's attempt to land without maintaining sufficient ground references, which led to a critical misjudgment of the aircraft's height over the terrain.
  • A significant contributing factor was the lack of established cockpit procedures for two-pilot operations during Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flights within the operator's organization.
  • The investigation noted that the NORDRAD weather radar system was not being utilized to its full potential to assist with weather trends.
  • Safety concerns were identified regarding cabin safety, specifically that a passenger was not properly secured with a four-point harness at the time of impact.
  • There were noted deficiencies in the communication and coordination of the initial alarm process and the activation of ground rescue resources.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot attempting to land in heavy blowing snow without adequate visual references, resulting in a misjudgment of altitude and ground impact. The absence of standardized two-pilot VFR procedures also contributed to the event.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-04-03 aircraft accident near Accident Involving the Helicopter Ambulance SE-JES in the Vicinity of Lake Kamasjaure, 25 km NE Torneträsk, SE?

A Sikorsky S-76A medical evacuation helicopter struck the ground during a night landing in heavy snow near Lake Kamasjaure, resulting in one injury.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-04-03 involved a aircraft, registration SE-JES, at Accident Involving the Helicopter Ambulance SE-JES in the Vicinity of Lake Kamasjaure, 25 km NE Torneträsk, SE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot attempting to land in heavy blowing snow without adequate visual references, resulting in a misjudgment of altitude and ground impact. The absence of standardized two-pilot VFR procedures also contributed to the event.

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