What happened
On December 30, 2020, an Airbus H125 (registration I-LGLG) was performing a private flight near San Martino, Sarentino. The pilot, carrying four passengers, was attempting to deliver a broken snowmobile via an external sling load to a field. While hovering at a very low altitude to set the load on the ground, the pilot experienced a sudden loss of visual references due to a "white-out" effect caused by snow being kicked up by the rotor wash. Simultaneously, the pilot's vision was obscured by fogging windshields.
During this period of disorientation, the aircraft moved toward a section of the terrain that was sloping. The main rotor blades struck the ground, causing the helicopter to overturn. The impact triggered a post-crash fire that completely destroyed the aircraft. Although the occupants managed to evacuate the wreckage before the fire intensified, one passenger sustained serious injuries due to the impact.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the aircraft's technical state, the pilot's flight profile, and the external load configuration. Investigators found that the aircraft was equipped with a digital load meter but lacked an external cargo mirror. Crucially, while the pilot stated the snowmobile was attached via a standard cargo hook, evidence suggested the metal cable may have been attached directly to the helicopter's fuselage. This non-standard configuration likely prevented the pilot from effectively releasing the load and may have caused an improper center of gravity.
Technical analysis of the engine data (VEMD) confirmed that the engine's blade shedding system had activated, indicating a high-stress event. The investigation also noted that the aircraft, despite being registered in 2019, was subject to older 1974 certification standards, which did not mandate the same level of crash-resistant fuel systems (CRFS) found in newer designs. This lack of advanced fuel protection may have contributed to the fire following the impact.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a loss of control resulting from the main rotor striking sloping terrain.
- A "white-out" condition caused by disturbed snow led to a sudden loss of visual references.
- The pilot's experience with external sling load operations (HESLO) was insufficient for the complexity of the maneuver.
- The presence of four passengers during a cargo hook operation increased the risk profile, as the pilot was managing both the load and passenger input during a critical phase.
- The use of a non-standard attachment method for the snowmobile likely caused an improper weight distribution and prevented a clean release of the load.
Safety action
- The ANSV has recommended that EASA introduce mandatory training requirements for pilots performing non-commercial (NCO) external load operations.
- A recommendation was made to EASA to implement limitations on the number of passengers allowed on board during external load operations.
- The investigation highlighted the need for stricter regulations regarding the use of crash-resistant fuel systems to prevent post-crash fires.