What happened
On August 10, 2022, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, registration I-JADE, was conducting a scenic tourist flight near Caiolo, Italy. The aircraft had departed from the Eurotech S.r.l. helipad for a VFR flight without a filed flight plan. During the flight, the helicopter struck the guard cable of a 132 kV high-voltage power line. The impact caused the aircraft to plummet to the ground in the municipality of Albosaggia. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, while the passenger was seriously injured but survived after being transported to a hospital in Bergamo.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation focused on the sequence of events, the technical state of the aircraft, and the environmental conditions. Investigators examined the wreckage, which showed that the main rotor was still producing power at the time of impact, as evidenced by the deep gouge in a rotor blade and the way the cable became wrapped around the rotor shaft. The investigation also reviewed the engine, finding no mechanical failures that would have caused the crash, although some non-conformities in the fuel (excessive gum content) were noted.
Witness accounts described the helicopter flying at a very low altitude and appearing unstable, with some observers noting an unusual engine sound. The investigation also reviewed video footage of the passenger exchange prior to the flight, which showed the passenger actively handling the flight controls under the pilot's instruction.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was interference with a high-voltage power line guard cable.
- The pilot's decision to operate at an altitude that did not provide sufficient safety margins relative to obstacles.
- Potential pilot distraction resulting from the interaction with the passenger, who was actively participating in the use of the flight controls.
- Environmental factors, specifically the low position of the sun on the horizon, which likely reduced the visual contrast of the cable and hindered timely obstacle recognition.
- The aircraft's maintenance records and engine condition were found to be in compliance with regulations, and no significant technical failure was identified as the cause of the descent.