History of the Flight
On 7 January 2024, a Leonardo S.p.A AW109SP helicopter, registration mark A6-RRR, was scheduled for a private flight from a private heliport in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, to a temporary heliport in Al Zorah, Ajman, approximately 15 nautical miles from Sharjah International Airport. The pilot, occupying the right seat, was the only person on board.
At about 1927 local time (LT), the pilot contacted Sharjah Tower, provided the assigned squawk code, and informed the tower about the flight purpose: relocating the aircraft to Al Zorah beach to pick up passengers, then proceeding to Dubai Police Academy via waypoint Victor Romeo 3. The tower instructed the pilot to maintain an altitude below 500 feet and to report when airborne. The helicopter took off at 1930, climbed to 500 feet, and proceeded towards Al Zorah.
A few minutes after takeoff, the pilot attempted to land at Al Zorah. During the final approach, the pilot visually inspected the landing area, focusing on the middle 'H' marking, which was illuminated by two police cars. As the helicopter descended, a sudden powder spread into the air due to the helicopter's downwash effect from the 'H' ground marking, as stated by the pilot and eyewitnesses. This condition eliminated visual reference points, making the landing challenging. Subsequently, the helicopter rolled over to the right, causing the main rotor blades to strike the ground, and the helicopter came to rest tilted to the right on the ground.
Injuries to Persons
No injuries were reported to the pilot or any other persons.
Damage to the Helicopter
The helicopter sustained substantial damage.
Personnel Information
The pilot held an Air Transport Pilot License-Helicopter (ATPL-H). No further details were provided.
Helicopter Information
- Manufacturer: Leonardo S.p.A
- Model: AW109SP
- Nationality and Registration: United Arab Emirates, A6-RRR
- Serial Number: 22353
- Year of Manufacture: 2020
- Flight Hours Since New: 1015:20 hours
- Cycles Since New: 2,630
- Engines: Twin-engines, PW207C Pratt & Whitney Canada
Meteorological Information
The source references a weather report from OMSJ (Sharjah International Airport) but provides no specific data.
Helipad Information
The occurrence took place at a private helipad in Ajman, UAE. No other details were provided.
Flight Recorders
No information was available at the time of the preliminary report.
Medical and Pathological Information
No information was provided.
Fire
No fire occurred.
Survival Aspects
The pilot exited the helicopter without assistance.
Tests and Research
Ongoing; no results reported.
Organizational and Management Information
The operator was Falcon Aviation Services (FAS). No further details.
Additional Information
The investigation is being conducted by the Air Accident Investigation Sector (AAIS) of the United Arab Emirates, with participation from Italian (ANSV) and Canadian (TSB) authorities as states of manufacture.