Accident Sequence
On 8 September 2016, a Robinson R66 helicopter operated under private night VFR conditions departed Salzburg Airport (LOWS) at 12:22 UTC. The aircraft arrived at the Elberfelderhütte mountain hut at 12:52 UTC, delivering food supplies. The pilot spent the afternoon at or near the hut. Around 18:50 UTC, the pilot decided to fly the hut keeper, who had been working there for five weeks, back to Salzburg.
The engine was started at 19:02 UTC. The passenger occupied the left front seat, the pilot the right. The helicopter faced opposite the intended departure direction. The pilot entered data into a portable navigation device, which displayed a 'no signal' message; the pilot indicated this was not a problem. After approximately 3 minutes and 30 seconds of engine operation, the helicopter took off and executed a 180° right turn. The landing light was on.
The helicopter flew toward the valley exit on a heading of approximately 340°, initially at 23 knots, then accelerating to 60 knots. The heading gradually changed to 25° and then to 90° (east). After about 1 minute and 30 seconds of flight, at a heading of 69° and speed of 53 knots, the passenger observed rocks and boulders within the landing light beam. The pilot then applied cyclic control to raise the nose steeply. Shortly thereafter, the helicopter struck rocky terrain at an elevation of approximately 2358 m (7736 ft).
Injuries and Damage
The pilot suffered fatal injuries; the passenger sustained serious injuries. The helicopter was destroyed by impact forces. A flight plan filed at 12:12 UTC indicated an estimated arrival time of 19:55 UTC at Salzburg, with a departure point of LOSJ (Heliport Sankt Johann im Pongau) at 19:30 UTC.
Investigation
The Austrian Federal Safety Investigation Board (SUB) conducted the investigation. The wreckage was examined on site, and technical examinations of the engine and rotor systems were performed. The investigation noted the presence of metal spatter on the third turbine stator, but no further analysis was provided in the available source.