Synopsis
On 10 August 2017, at approximately 09:30 UTC, a Bell 206 L-3 helicopter registered as 7T-WUF, operated by Tassili Travail Aérien (TTA), crashed near Dekakna, Douira, Algeria. The flight was an aerial photography mission over the Birtouta-Zeralda area. The helicopter departed from Algiers Houari Boumediene Airport at 09:11 UTC with the pilot and three passengers on board.
Accident Sequence
According to witness testimony, the helicopter hovered at about 100 feet above a viaduct in the Dekakna region. During the climb phase, the tail rotor contacted a high-tension cable. Seconds later, the helicopter tilted, lost altitude, and rapidly descended in a right turn, then struck the ground and caught fire.
Aircraft and Operator Information
The aircraft was a Bell 206 L-3 (registration 7T-WUF). The operator was Tassili Travail Aérien (TTA), an Algerian company specializing in aerial work. The flight was an aerial photography mission contracted by the National Agency for Studies and Monitoring of Railway Investment (ANESRIF).
Injuries and Damage
The four occupants—the pilot and three passengers—were fatally injured. The helicopter was destroyed by impact and subsequent fire.
Investigation Findings
The investigation identified several factors that may have influenced safety margins and the pilot's ability to recover from the hazardous situation:
- The position of the viaduct relative to the high-tension cables.
- This was the pilot's first aerial photography mission since being hired at TTA; the technique was still being acquired, leaving limited cognitive resources for managing unexpected events.
- There were no supervised flights to verify sufficient proficiency in aerial photography techniques.
- The pilot had a period of medical unfitness from 4 to 16 July 2017, resulting in inactivity, though subsequent flights were conducted from 27 July to 1 August 2017.
- The pilot's desire to succeed in this mission without the necessary experience may have inhibited expression of doubts or difficulties.
Safety Recommendations
The final report issued recommendations aimed at improving safety for aerial photography operations. These included:
- Formal implementation of the contract between TTA and ANESRIF regarding mission planning and execution.
- Enhancement of TTA's safety management system.
- Improved training programs for pilots engaged in specialized aerial work.
- Stricter adherence to work and rest time regulations.
- Provision of dedicated assistance and support for pilots during aerial photography missions.
- Periodic checks and supervised flights to ensure skill retention.