What happened
On July 27, 2002, at approximately 10:45 UTC, an AgustaWestland A 109A, registration I-AGSE, was preparing for an emergency medical flight (HEMS) from the "Omnisport" helipad in Vieste, Italy. The aircraft was carrying a pilot, a flight technician, a doctor, a nurse, and a patient, with a planned destination of San Severo.
Following engine start, the pilot began taxiing toward the takeoff point. During the maneuver, the pilot deviated from the central taxi path to avoid a storm drain. This deviation caused the tips of the main rotor blades to strike a light pole. The pilot immediately halted the aircraft and shut down the engines and rotor.
There were no injuries to the five occupants. However, the aircraft sustained damage to the tips of all four main rotor blades and a dent on the right side of the upper cowling.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation focused on the pilot's maneuver and the environmental factors present during the taxi. The investigation established that the pilot initiated the engine start and taxiing immediately due to the critical condition of the patient on board.
Investigators examined the visibility conditions within the cockpit at the time of the incident. It was noted that the sun was at its zenith, creating significant reflections on the plexiglass canopy caused by the rotating blades. Additionally, the light gray color of the light pole made it difficult to judge the distance between the aircraft and the obstacle.