What happened
On January 20, 2008, an Eurocopter AS350 B2, registration F-GUSL, crashed near Usmate Velate, Italy. The flight, which was being conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), departed from an improvised helipad located on a private industrial site in Carnate. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft entered a zone of dense fog, resulting in a loss of visual references.
The helicopter plummeted approximately 650 meters from the takeoff point, striking the ground near a highway interchange on the A5/Tangenziale Est di Milano. The impact was high-velocity and in a nose-down attitude. The collision caused a post-crash fire that destroyed the aircraft and resulted in two fatalities (the pilot and one passenger). The wreckage also struck a telecommunications antenna, a guardrail, and two vehicles traveling on an access ramp.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation focused on the meteorological conditions, the mechanical state of the aircraft, and the pilot's actions. Investigators examined the engine and main transmission, confirming that the Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 engine was producing power and that no mechanical failures preceded the impact. The aircraft's maintenance records were found to be up to date.
Meteorological data from Milan Linate airport and witness accounts confirmed that visibility was extremely low, ranging from 50 to 200 meters due to heavy fog. This was significantly below the requirements for VFR operations. The investigation also noted that the pilot had not notified the relevant authorities regarding the use of the improvised takeoff area and had not established radio contact with Air Traffic Services (ATS) prior to the accident.
Findings
- Inadequate visibility: The primary cause was the pilot's failure to adhere to VFR regulations, specifically regarding minimum horizontal visibility requirements.
- Loss of situational awareness: Due to the lack of instrument flight training, the pilot likely attempted to descend to regain visual contact with the ground, leading to a steep, uncontrolled descent.
- Adverse weather: The presence of heavy fog made safe VFR flight impossible.
- Lack of emergency decision-making: The pilot failed to attempt an emergency landing elsewhere once visibility deteriorated.
- Mechanical integrity: There was no evidence of engine or transmission failure contributing to the crash.