What happened
On August 9, 2018, at 15:04 local time, two Bell 412 helicopters, registrations EC-MLG and EC-MQD, were performing aerial firefighting duties near Llutxent, Valencia. The aircraft, operated by Babcock Mission Critical Services España S.A.U., were working to consolidate areas of a forest fire that had been active since August 6.
The helicopters were operating in a sequence, following a common procedure of loading water from a nearby reservoir. The aircraft EC-MLG (callsign Daroca II) was leading the sequence. After completing a water drop, the crew of EC-MLG performed a tight 180-degree left turn while reducing forward speed to inspect the effectiveness of the drop.
At that moment, the following aircraft, EC-MQD (call/sign VICTOR 3), was approaching the same area to perform its own drop. Seeing the lead helicopter's sudden maneuver and the potential for a collision, the crew of EC-MQD was forced to execute an evasive right turn and jettison their water load to regain maneuverability. The two aircraft came within approximately 80 meters of each other during the encounter. No injuries were reported, and no damage was sustained by either aircraft.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined GPS flight tracking data and crew testimonies to reconstruct the flight paths. The investigation focused on the flight sequences of both aircraft and the operational environment during the firefighting mission. Investigators analyzed the standard operating procedures (SOPs) of the operator and the coordination provided by the aerial observation helicopter (ACO) present at the scene.
Findings
- The primary cause of the near-collision was an inappropriate maneuver performed by the lead helicopter, EC-MLG, following its water drop.
- The crew of EC-MLG performed a tight turn that is not accepted under standard firefighting operational procedures.
- Evidence suggests the crew of EC-MLG was focused on inspecting the ground to confirm the drop's effectiveness, resulting in a failure to maintain proper lookout for following aircraft.
- The crew of EC-MQD responded with a necessary evasive maneuver to prevent a collision.
- Meteorological conditions were excellent, with unlimited visibility and calm winds.