Helicopter Sinks in Stockholm Archipelago After Tipping Off Dock

Casualties unknown • Accident to SE-HVM at Fjäderholmarna, SE

A private helicopter flight ended in tragedy at Fjäderholmarna when the aircraft tipped backward off a concrete pier, resulting in one fatality.

What happened

On 7 September 2001, an Agusta-Bell 204B helicopter, registration SE-HVM, was performing a private flight to transport passengers to the Fjäderholmarna islands in Sweden. After a routine flight from Järva Krog, the pilot approached a concrete steamboat pier to disembark passengers. The pilot positioned the aircraft with the nose facing land and the tail section extending over the water.

After the aircraft touched down, the pilot exited the cockpit to assist passengers with deplaning. While five passengers had already exited, the pilot noticed the aircraft appeared to be "bouncing" and quickly returned to the cockpit to take control. Upon re-entering, the pilot applied full engine power and attempted to lift the aircraft. However, before sufficient lift could be generated, the helicopter tipped backward over the edge of the dock. This movement caused the tail rotor to strike the water, leading to the separation of the rotor from the tail boom. The aircraft became uncontrollable, and the pilot was forced to land on the water. The helicopter rapidly flooded and sank to a depth of approximately 20 meters. While most passengers escaped, one passenger remained inside the sinking aircraft and could not be rescued by divers.

The investigation

The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (SHK) examined the aircraft, the landing site, and the sequence of events. The investigation focused on the positioning of the aircraft on the pier and the pilot's decision to leave the controls unmanned. Investigators also reviewed the suitability of the landing area and the mechanical state of the Agusta-Bell 204B.

Findings

  • The investigation found no technical failures contributing to the accident.
  • The landing site used for this private flight did not meet the minimum safety and dimension requirements established for such operations.
  • The aircraft was parked with too little margin to the edge of the dock.
  • High levels of vertical vibration, common in this aircraft type, likely caused the helicopter to shift toward the water's edge.
  • The movement of the pilot and several passengers out of the cabin shifted the aircraft's center of gravity aft, contributing to the instability.
  • The pilot's decision to leave the cockpit while the engine was still running was inappropriate given the narrow margins and the proximity of obstacles.

Safety action

No specific safety recommendations were issued following this investigation.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot leaving the cockpit unattended while the engine was running, combined with the aircraft being parked too close to the edge of the pier, which allowed vibrations and weight shifts to tip the helicopter into the water.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-09-07 aircraft accident near Accident to SE-HVM at Fjäderholmarna, SE?

A private helicopter flight ended in tragedy at Fjäderholmarna when the aircraft tipped backward off a concrete pier, resulting in one fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-09-07 involved a aircraft, registration SE-HVM, at Accident to SE-HVM at Fjäderholmarna, SE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot leaving the cockpit unattended while the engine was running, combined with the aircraft being parked too close to the edge of the pier, which allowed vibrations and weight shifts to tip the helicopter into the water.

Loading the flight search…