What happened
On May 1, 2014, at approximately 14:50, a Eurocopter AS350B2 helicopter, registration TF-HDW, was conducting a film production flight over the Eyjafellajökull glacier in Iceland. The aircraft was equipped with a specialized camera gimbal system on the nose and tail boom. During the flight, the pilot attempted to locate a suitable landing spot on the glacier to allow a passenger to change a camera lens filter.
As the helicopter approached the intended landing area, the pilot reported that a sudden cloud layer caused the landscape to become entirely white. This sudden change resulted in the loss of visual references on the glacier. While attempting to climb to regain orientation, the aircraft struck the glacier surface at 60 knots. The impact caused the nose-mounted camera gimbal to break off. Although the pilot managed to briefly regain flight, the aircraft subsequently struck the glacier again, causing the helicopter to spin and roll onto its right side, resulting in significant damage to the rotor blades and airframe.
All four occupants sustained minor injuries and were able to evacuate the aircraft safely. No fire occurred during the accident.
The investigation
The RNSA examined the aircraft's maintenance records, weight and balance calculations, and performance capabilities. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's performance was sufficient for the altitude and temperature at the time of the accident. The investigation also reviewed the weather conditions, noting that while the sky was mostly clear, high humidity levels at lower altitudes likely facilitated the rapid formation of a cloud layer over the glacier.
Investigators also analyzed the impact sequence using GPS data, which showed the initial contact occurred at 4,635 feet. The investigation focused on the pilot's perception of altitude and the physiological effects of flying in whiteout conditions.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of visual references due to a sudden change in lighting and cloud cover.
- The pilot experienced a height/depth perception illusion, often referred to as "Empty Field Myopia," where the lack of ground detail led to an incorrect perception of the aircraft's altitude.
- The specialized camera equipment contributed to a forward shift in the center of gravity, though the investigation found the aircraft remained within safe weight and balance limits.
- The sudden onset of whiteout conditions prevented the pilot from realizing the aircraft was descending into the terrain.