What happened
On March 16, 2024, at approximately 12:55 UTC, an AW139 helicopter, registration I-COLK, was engaged in a medical rescue mission near Punta Gnifetti in the Monte Rosa massif. The mission, requested by the Turin emergency services, aimed to recover a climber who had fallen into a crevasse.
During the final approach to the landing site, the pilot lost directional control of the aircraft. Flight data indicates that the pilot applied full left pedal input, leading to a loss of controllability. The helicopter's ground speed dropped to approximately 2 knots at an altitude of only 30 feet. The aircraft subsequently entered a significant rightward rotation before impacting the snowy terrain on its right side. The impact caused severe damage to the nose and the upper section of the passenger cabin. All four crew members sustained minor injuries and were rescued by another helicopter approximately 35 minutes later.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the flight data, cockpit voice recorder, and environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators analyzed the pilot's recent flight history, noting a previous similar incident involving pedal limits that had not been reported to the operator. The investigation also reviewed the mission planning, including the decision to make a technical stop at Alagna to reduce weight by offloading unnecessary personnel and equipment.
Environmental data from the Punta Margherita station revealed intense wind conditions, with gusts reaching between 37 and 42 knots. The investigation also looked into the pilot's familiarity with specific operational supplements and the adequacy of the operator's training and decision-support systems.
Findings
- The accident occurred while operating at the extreme performance limits of the helicopter.
- Inadequate management of the aircraft in relation to the specific environmental and topographical conditions of the rescue site was the primary cause.
- The pilot lacked sufficient awareness of flight limitations regarding lateral and rearward flight specified in the aircraft's Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) Supplement 51.
- Mission planning and execution failed to meet operator standards, particularly regarding weight and balance, power requirements, and the assessment of meteorological data.
- Environmental factors, specifically high-altitude terrain and intense wind gusts, contributed to the loss of control.
- There was a lack of sufficient decision-support resources, such as a second pilot or direct, constant communication with an operations center, to assist the crew during the mission.