What happened
On March 12, 2012, an Agusta Bell AB 47 G2 helicopter, registration F-BXXL, was engaged in a crop spraying mission in Martinique. After refueling at the Bon Repos site with phytosanitary products, the pilot began a flight to treat a second banana plantation. Approximately one minute after takeoff, as the aircraft reached the edge of the target plot, it struck medium-voltage electrical cables. The impact caused the helicopter to crash and subsequently catch fire. The pilot, a highly experienced 43-year-old commander with 2,500 flight hours, was killed in the accident, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the collision and the condition of the aircraft. Investigators found that the helicopter's takeoff mass was 1,168 kg, which exceeded the maximum authorized takeoff mass of 1,111 kg by 57 kg. Examination of the wreckage revealed no technical failures; however, traces of friction from the electrical cables were found on the right side of the cockpit canopy.
Crucially, the investigation identified that the canopy was covered in a greasy, opaque film, which significantly reduced the pilot's visibility. Photos taken during the investigation confirmed that this lack of transparency hindered the pilot's ability to accurately judge distances and heights relative to obstacles. Furthermore, the electrical poles were difficult to identify because one was obscured by vegetation and the other blended into the background. The investigation also noted that the pilot was not wearing a helmet and was using only a lap belt rather than a full shoulder harness.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the failure to detect the electrical power lines.
- The pilot's failure to perform a prior reconnaissance of the site, combined with the vegetation masking the power lines, contributed to the collision.
- The reduced visibility caused by the greasy buildup on the cockpit canopy prevented accurate obstacle assessment.
- The aircraft was operating in an overweight condition, exceeding maximum takeoff weight by 57 kg.
- The lack of a helmet and the absence of shoulder harnesses likely increased the severity of the fatal outcome.