What happened
On January 25, 2019, at approximately 13:30 UTC, a mid-air collision occurred near the Rutor Glacier in the Aosta Valley at an altitude of roughly 2,700 meters. The accident involved a Jodel D.1-40E airplane, registration F-PMGV, performing a mountain rating training flight, and an AS350 B3 helicopter, registration I-EDIC, operating a commercial heliski flight.
Following the impact, both aircraft sustained catastrophic damage that prevented continued flight, leading to both crashing to the ground. The collision resulted in five fatalities: the pilot and four passengers from the helicopter, and two of the three pilots from the airplane. Two individuals survived the accident with serious injuries, including one passenger from the helicopter and one pilot from the airplane.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage distribution and debris fields to reconstruct the sequence of the collision. The investigation established that the Jodel D.140E was positioned higher than the AS350 B3 at the moment of impact. The initial contact occurred between the lower right side of the airplane and the main rotor of the helicopter.
Upon impact, the airplane underwent structural failure in flight, breaking into at least four distinct sections: the engine, wings, canopy, and tail. Simultaneously, the helicopter's main rotor blades sustained severe damage, which likely caused the loss of flight control. Evidence suggests both aircraft were traveling on a southbound track, consistent with trajectories toward landing areas on the glacier.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a mid-air collision between the two aircraft.
- The airplane was flying at a higher altitude than the helicopter at the time of contact.
- The impact with the helicopter's main rotor caused the airplane to break up into multiple pieces in mid-air.
- Severe damage to the helicopter's rotor blades rendered the aircraft uncontrollable.