What happened
On September 6, 2005, a Schweizer 269B helicopter, registration PH-HPH, was conducting a low-altitude filming mission over the IJsselmeer near Urk. The crew, consisting of a pilot and a cameraman, intended to capture footage of a motor yacht. During the maneuver, the helicopter lost altitude and struck the water, subsequently capsizing and sinking. While the pilot escaped the sinking aircraft without injury, the cameraman sustained light injuries during the incident.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight maneuvers, the technical condition of the aircraft, and the safety equipment on board. Investigators reviewed flight footage and interviewed the crew. Technical inspections conducted by aviation police mechanics found no mechanical failures or outstanding maintenance issues in the aircraft logs. The aircraft had been fully fueled and was operating at its maximum allowable takeoff weight. Environmental conditions at the time included light winds and visibility limited to approximately 4,500 meters due to mist.
Findings
Analysis of the flight path revealed that the pilot was performing a series of turns around the yacht to provide various filming angles. To slow the aircraft for these maneuvers, the pilot increased the pitch and reduced engine power. The investigation concluded that insufficient engine power was likely applied during a critical phase of the maneuver, leading to a rapid loss of altitude that could not be corrected due to the low flight height.
Furthermore, the investigation identified a significant safety risk regarding the crew's restraint systems. While the pilot used a standard quick-release harness, the cameraman was secured using a climbing harness tied to the aircraft with a knot. This lack of a quick-release mechanism prevented the cameraman from exiting the submerged aircraft immediately, forcing him to untie himself while the helicopter was already sinking.
Safety action
The investigation highlighted that the aircraft was operating without life jackets. It also noted that while the pilot is responsible for flight execution, the operator is responsible for ensuring the aircraft is equipped with appropriate safety equipment for the specific mission. The findings emphasize the necessity of using safety restraints that allow for rapid egress in the event of an emergency.