Event Description
On 20 November 2012, at approximately 10:10 UTC, an Aérospatiale (Eurocopter) AS350 BA helicopter, registration I-MIAE, departed from a takeoff pad near a Bed & Breakfast in the Morgan locality of Trichiana, Belluno province. The flight was part of an aerial work mission to distribute rabies vaccine baits. After a reconnaissance by car earlier that morning due to persistent fog in the area, the crew decided to proceed with the flight. Moments after liftoff, the helicopter encountered very low visibility. It struck the chimney of a house, then a low-voltage power line, before impacting the ground in an agricultural field approximately 640 meters west of the departure point. The impact destroyed the helicopter and resulted in the deaths of both occupants.
Aircraft and Operator Information
The helicopter, an AS350 BA, was a light multirole helicopter with a metal structure, skid landing gear, and a maximum takeoff mass of 2100 kg. It was built in 1985 with serial number 1774 and was powered by a Turbomeca Arriel 1B engine. The airworthiness certificate was issued on 27 July 2007. The aircraft had accumulated over 5000 flight hours and was included in the COLA (Certificate of Aerial Work Operator) of Smart Elicotteri srl, the operator. The flight crew consisted of two pilots, aged 37 and 36, both holding valid CPL(H) licenses and class 1 medical certificates, with AS350 and mountain aerial work ratings. The operator had subcontracted part of the rabies vaccination campaign from Elisem scarl.
Accident Site and Damage
The main wreckage was found in an agricultural field about 50 meters from dwellings that showed damage consistent with the helicopter's impact. Parts of the tail and a tail rotor blade were found in a house patio, along with roofing materials. The tail section was against a property fence, while the tail rotor hub with one blade was between the house and the wreckage. Medium-voltage power lines serving the area were severed. The main wreckage lay on its side, with severe belly damage and deformed landing skids. The cockpit was completely destroyed; the radio was still powered on frequency 130.00 MHz active, with 119.65 MHz set as standby. The main rotor remained attached. A video camera was found mounted on an external bar on the right side of the cabin, secured with cable ties and tape; its footage was used in the investigation.
Investigation
The investigation was conducted by the Italian National Flight Safety Agency (ANSV). The takeoff pad was located near the Bed & Breakfast where the crew was staying during the service period. An alternative landing field uphill had been identified by the crew in case fog persisted. The investigation did not specify a probable cause.