Eurocopter AS 350 B3 Accident at Samoëns, France

Overview and Flight Details On 9 February 2003, a Eurocopter AS 350 B3 helicopter, registration F-GMBH, operated by Mont Blanc Hélicoptères, was involved in an accident at Tête du Pré des Saix in Samoëns, France. The aircraft, owned by SA Helicom, was conducting a passenger transport flight as part of a mountain rescue mission. The flight was a liaison from Samoëns to the Tête du Pré des Saix ski area. ## Personnel and Aircraft The helicopter carried one pilot, one mechanic, and one passenger. The pilot, a 49-year-old male, held a professional helicopter pilot license and had extensive experience, including approximately 10,507 total flight hours and 122 hours on type. The mechanic, a 25-year-old male, was qualified for maintenance and winch operations. The aircraft, serial number 3125, was powered by a Turboméca Arriel 2B engine and had 2,606 flight hours at the time of the accident. ## Accident Sequence During the approach to the landing site at an altitude of 2,118 meters, the helicopter lost control at low altitude. The pilot reported hearing a noise before the aircraft began yawing to the left. Despite corrective actions, the helicopter rotated left and the pilot lowered the collective to bring it to the ground. The aircraft came to rest on its right side. Witnesses observed the helicopter approach at approximately one meter above the ground, then yaw and roll over. ## Damage and Injuries The helicopter was heavily damaged. There were no fatalities. The two crew members sustained minor or no injuries, and the passenger also sustained minor or no injuries. ## Site and Weather Conditions The accident occurred on a helipad located on a rounded summit at 2,118 meters altitude in the Samoëns ski area. The site had a strong slope to the north and a gentler slope to the south. The weather was clear with few clouds, a temperature of -3 to -4°C, variable winds of 3 to 6 knots, and visibility greater than 10 kilometers. The site was covered with approximately 1.5 meters of powder snow over a compacted layer of similar depth.