Incident Overview
On June 24, 2018, at approximately 19:07 local time, an Airbus Helicopters AS 350 BA with registration CN-HBA crashed in the Berrechid region south of Casablanca, Morocco. The aircraft was operated by Heliconia Aero Solutions and was on a visual flight rules (VFR) repositioning mission from Rabat-Salé to Marrakech-Ménara. The pilot-in-command was the sole occupant.
Flight Progression and Emergency
The flight departed Rabat-Salé at 17:15 UTC. During cruise, the aircraft encountered low clouds, prompting a descent to 500 feet above ground level. At 18:04:27 UTC, while flying at 333 feet with an indicated airspeed of 117 knots, the amber "FUEL FILTR" warning light illuminated. The pilot reduced engine power to 48.6% torque, which temporarily extinguished the warning. However, upon increasing power back to 73.2%, the warning re-illuminated at 18:05:48 UTC.
Emergency Landing
Recognizing a persistent fuel system issue, the pilot initiated an emergency landing in autorotation at 18:05:49 UTC. The aircraft turned right to heading 297° and descended with a rate of 586 feet per minute. Main rotor speed (NR) peaked at 425 rpm, triggering high-speed klaxons. The pilot reduced airspeed from 110 knots to 66 knots prior to ground contact. The helicopter touched down in a wheat field, sliding approximately thirty meters before coming to rest.
Damage and Investigation Findings
The investigation classified the event as an accident. Physical damage was limited to a rupture at the attachment point of the right skid's front crossbar. No fatalities or injuries were reported. The analysis focused on the fuel filter clogging mechanism, maintenance procedures regarding filter plugging tests, and the operator's documentation (MANEX). The probable cause was linked to the handling of the fuel filter warning and associated maintenance practices.