What happened
On July 18, 2001, at approximately 17:55 UTC, a CH-54A Skycrane, registration N18428, crashed in the Longhino area near Orotelli, Italy. The aircraft, operated by Heavy Lift Helicopters Inc. under a wet lease for Elimediterranea s.r/l, was engaged in a wildfire suppression mission organized by the Italian Civil Protection Department.
The crew had departed from Alà dei Sardi to combat an active fire. After filling the internal tanks with approximately 1,400 US gallons of water, the aircraft was operating near its maximum takeoff weight. During the initial pass over the fire, the crew reported that the water discharge system failed to function. To reposition for a second pass, the pilot initiated a left turn, followed by a 180-degree right turn.
During this maneuvering, the pilot attempted to level the aircraft to approach the fire front, but the helicopter failed to respond to control inputs. Despite full left cyclic and pedal inputs, the aircraft continued into a descending right turn, eventually executing a turn exceeding 360 degrees before impacting a hillside approximately 100 feet below the summit. The impact caused extensive damage to the cockpit, main rotor, and tail boom.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the aircraft's technical condition, the crew's flight experience, and the operational procedures in place at the time. Investigators reviewed the flight history, noting that the commander had exceeded the maximum daily flight time permitted under Italian airwork regulations.
The investigation also scrutinized the crew's coordination and their familiarity with the specific Fire Fighting System (FFS) installed on the aircraft. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the regulatory compliance of the crew's licenses, specifically regarding the second pilot's type rating and the oversight provided by the national operator.