What happened
On March 2, 2008, a Eurocopter Bo105 CBS 4 helicopter departed from the research vessel *Polarstern* in Atka Bay, Antarctica, for a passenger transport flight to the Neumayer II research station. The flight was accompanied by four passengers who were filming the journey.
During the flight, the pilot performed several maneuvers, including flying along the ice shelf edge and executing steep climbs and descents. Video footage recovered from the scene showed the aircraft flying at a low altitude through an ice canyon, performing an abrupt pull-up, and an abrupt forward roll at the peak of a maneuver. During these maneuvers, the master warning light for increased mast moment illuminated.
While flying at high forward speed over a vast, snow-covered expanse, the helicopter struck the ground. The left skid made initial contact with the surface and was torn from the aircraft. The main rotor also struck the ground, causing two blades to break off. The aircraft slid approximately 86 meters before coming to rest. The impact resulted in two fatalities (the pilot and one passenger) and three injuries (two serious and one light).
The investigation
The BFU examined the wreckage and recovered video footage from a passenger's camera. The investigation included a technical inspection of the aircraft in Germany, which found no evidence of mechanical failure or technical defects. The pilot's medical records showed no impairment at the time of the accident. The investigation also analyzed meteorological conditions, noting that while visibility was good in some directions, the landscape toward the ice shelf lacked distinct contours due to thin cloud cover and diffuse light.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an unintended ground impact during low-altitude flight at high forward speed.
- The whiteout phenomenon significantly contributed to the accident, as the lack of visual contrast between the snow surface and the horizon made it difficult to maintain situational awareness.
- The featureless, white ice shelf surface provided no visual references for the pilot.
- The pilot had limited recent training specifically on the Bo105 type, despite being highly experienced in general helicopter operations.