What happened
On February 16, 2008, a MBB Bo 105 CBS-4 helicopter, registration PH-RPZ, operated by the Dutch National Police Aviation Service, attempted to land in the city center of Haarlem. The flight was conducted to deliver specialized infrared imaging equipment to firefighters battling a blaze in the urban area.
After circling the fire at 1,000 feet, the pilot decided to land on a public road at the Turfmarkt to hand over the equipment. During the vertical descent, the main rotor blades struck a metal bar attached to a light mast. The impact caused the helicopter to become unstable, prompting the pilot to immediately increase power to climb. During this ascent, the rotor blades struck the top cover of the same light mast. The force of the impact caused parts of the rotor blade end caps to detach, one of which flew approximately 100 meters and shattered a window of a nearby house, causing damage to the interior.
The investigation
The Dutch Safety Board (OVV) examined the incident using interviews, official documents, and bystander video footage. The investigation focused on the suitability of the landing site, the visibility conditions for the crew, and the operational procedures for off-airport landings.
Investigators noted that while the pilot was highly experienced, the cockpit configuration played a significant role. Because the pilot was seated on the right side of the aircraft, his view to the left was obstructed by the helicopter's internal structure. Furthermore, the camera operator was also positioned on the right side, behind a console, which similarly limited their ability to monitor the left flank. The investigation also reviewed the decision-making process regarding the selection of the landing site, which had been suggested by the regional dispatch center.
Findings
- The pilot misjudged the helicopter's position relative to the light mast.
- The chosen landing site had insufficient clearance due to the presence of a raised divider that forced the helicopter to land off-center.
- The metal bar on the light mast was difficult to detect because it was small and matched the color of the mast.
- The crew lacked a member with a clear view of the left side of the aircraft, as the second pilot was not on board for this single-pilot operation.
- Environmental factors, including dust clouds and wind-blown debris during the descent, further obscured the pilot's vision of the obstacle.
Safety action
The OVV recommended that the leadership of the National Police Aviation Service update internal guidelines to ensure a formal risk assessment is conducted for all off-airport landings. This assessment should specifically weigh the operational necessity of the landing against the inherent risks, particularly when operating with a single pilot.