Agusta A109E Collides with Crane in Central London

Casualties unknown • St George Wharf, Vauxhall, London, GB

An Agusta A109E helicopter crashed into a construction crane at St George Wharf, resulting in one fatality and significant damage to the surrounding area.

What happened

On 16 January 2013, an Agusta A109E helicopter, registration G-CRST, was conducting a commercial passenger flight from Redhill Aerodrome to Elstree Aerodrome. During the flight, the pilot requested a route via the London Eye under Special VFR conditions. After transiting the London Control Zone, the aircraft was flying south along the River Thames near Vauxhall Bridge.

At approximately 0759 hrs, while performing a right turn near St George Wharf, the helicopter struck the jib of a high-rise construction crane. The impact caused the main rotor blades to separate from the rotor head, and the rotor head and gearbox were also detached from the fuselage. The aircraft's fuselage continued to travel approximately 240 metres, striking a building on Wandsworth Road before hitting the ground. The impact caused the fuel tanks to rupture, leading to a post-impact fire that consumed much of the wreckage.

The investigation

The AAIB investigation examined the aircraft's flight path using radar data, which showed the helicopter descending and turning shortly before the collision. Investigators reviewed meteorological reports, which indicated freezing fog and low visibility across London, with cloud bases as low as 100 ft. The investigation also analyzed the crane's structure, noting it was a luffing jib crane with a total height of 719 ft from the ground when in its minimum position. CCTV and witness evidence were used to confirm the sequence of the impact and the subsequent damage to nearby buildings and vehicles.

Findings

  • The helicopter's main rotors and rotor head struck the crane's jib at an altitude of approximately 682 ft.
  • The collision with the crane jib caused the immediate separation of the main rotor components and the upper fuselage structure.
  • The aircraft was operating under Special VFR conditions in an area experiencing freezing fog and reduced visibility.
  • The impact with the ground caused a fuel release and subsequent fire, which destroyed the main wreckage.
  • The pilot and a pedestrian on Wandsworth Road sustained fatal injuries.

Probable cause

The helicopter collided with the jib of a construction crane during a turn near Vauxhall Bridge, leading to the structural failure of the aircraft and a subsequent fatal crash.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-01-16 Agusta A109E accident near St George Wharf, Vauxhall, London, GB?

An Agusta A109E helicopter crashed into a construction crane at St George Wharf, resulting in one fatality and significant damage to the surrounding area.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-01-16 involved a Agusta A109E, registration G-CRST, at St George Wharf, Vauxhall, London, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The helicopter collided with the jib of a construction crane during a turn near Vauxhall Bridge, leading to the structural failure of the aircraft and a subsequent fatal crash.

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