What happened
On September 10, 2006, at approximately 12:55 UTC, a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter crashed into a wooded area known as the "Lindenwald" during its approach to the Schärding-Suben airfield in Austria.
The flight originated from Schärding-Suben, traveling to Zell am See, where the aircraft landed at 09:36 UTC. The return flight began at 10:47 UTC, including an intermediate landing in St. Georgen im Attergau. During the final leg toward Schärding-Suben, the pilot contacted the airfield operator at 12:50 UTC to request landing directly at the fuel station. This request was denied because another aircraft was occupying the station. Following this exchange, no further radio contact was established.
The impact occurred in a forested area within the airfield boundaries. The accident resulted in two fatalities: the pilot died at the scene, and the passenger passed away later in the hospital. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash.
The investigation
The Austrian Federal Safety Investigation Board (SUB) conducted a technical examination of the wreckage and components. Investigators analyzed the engine, the fuel system, and various cockpit instruments, including the low fuel, low RPM, and oil temperature warning lights. The investigation also included a microscopic analysis of the filaments in several warning lights and the examination of the fan impeller.
Findings
- The investigation determined that the crash was highly likely caused by an engine failure.
- While the exact trigger for the engine shutdown could not be definitively verified, investigators noted that the accidental closing of the fuel shut-off valve could have led to an engine stall.
- The low altitude of the aircraft and the densely wooded terrain made an emergency autorotation or a successful forced landing impossible.
- Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were ruled out as a contributing factor.