Introduction
On 26 October 1999, at approximately 1620 hours UTC, a privately operated Gazelle SA 342 helicopter, registered F-GFDG, was involved in an incident during its approach to Bristol Airport. The aircraft, manufactured in 1975 and powered by a single Astazou turboshaft engine, was being flown by a 50-year-old pilot holding a Private Pilot's Licence (helicopters). The pilot had accumulated 8,000 total flying hours, with 2,500 hours on type, including 89 hours in the previous 90 days.
Incident Details
The helicopter had departed from a private site in Nailsea and was approaching Bristol Airport. The pilot intended to fly a downwind leg before turning into a westerly wind of approximately 8 knots. As the turn began at an altitude of about 150 feet above ground level, the pilot heard a very loud bang and felt severe vibration throughout the airframe. The vibration intensity then decreased, followed by a second loud bang. The pilot transmitted a 'Pan Pan' distress call and executed an emergency landing on the grass adjacent to taxiway 'Golf'.
Aftermath
After the helicopter was shut down, a post-flight inspection revealed superficial damage to all three main rotor blades, including tearing of the leading edge protective strip. Additionally, both engine cowlings were missing; they were later recovered on and near the runway. The pilot reported that the forward locking device had failed, although the helicopter had been flown for three hours since its last pre-flight inspection. The pilot initially suspected a bird strike, but subsequent inspection found no evidence to support that. No injuries were reported among the two occupants (one crew and one passenger).