Incident
The Let L-410 twin-engine aircraft departed Freetown-Lungi International Airport on a short positioning flight to Freetown-Hastings Airport. During initial climb, at an altitude of approximately 500 feet, the aircraft entered clouds. Upon exiting, the crew observed a Mil Mi-8 helicopter operating a local flight for the United Nations. The L-410 crew initiated an evasive maneuver, but the helicopter's rotor struck the base of the L-410's tail.
Aftermath
Despite the damage, the L-410 crew managed to return to the airport for an emergency landing. However, the undercarriage partially failed during touchdown. Both pilots escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. The Mi-8 helicopter crew landed safely without further incident.
Investigation
The official investigation determined the probable cause: the Mi-8T helicopter crew failed to monitor radio communications between the air traffic controller and the L-410 crew. The helicopter crew was distracted by a conversation about a barge that had sunk off the coast, visible on the left side of the helicopter, while Lungi Airport and the L-410 were on the right side.