What happened
On February 12, 2018, at approximately 08:50 UTC, an EC 135 T3 helicopter, operated by an Austrian HEMS provider, was conducting a rescue flight from Matrei in Osttirol. The mission target was a landing site within the Goldried ski area at an elevation of 2,260 meters.
Prior to the landing approach, the pilot and a technical crew member inspected the designated landing area, which had been prepared by a ground marshal. While the landing zone appeared clear of obstacles, the crew was unable to perceive that the terrain rose upward toward the rear of the site due to diffuse lighting conditions.
During the landing sequence, the pilot performed a hover and subsequent departure from a height of approximately one meter above the ground without forward airspeed. During this maneuver, the tail of the aircraft made contact with the rising terrain. The impact caused the protective cover on the right side of the Fenestron to detach and resulted in damage to both the Fenestron blades and the surrounding shroud.
The investigation
The Austrian Federal Safety Investigation Board (SUB) reconstructed the flight sequence using pilot statements, witness accounts, and technical data. The investigation focused on the visibility of the terrain during the approach and the specific mechanics of the landing maneuver. The investigators examined the aircraft's performance calculations, including weight, center of gravity, and density altitude, as well as the lighting conditions present at the time of the incident.