Tail Rotor Strike During Shipboard Landing in Richards Bay

Casualties unknown • On the deck of the ship MV Ambassador, ZA

A commercial Agusta 109K2 helicopter sustained significant damage after a ship's crew member walked into the tail rotor during a passenger transfer.

What happened

On 4 June 2000, a commercial helicopter flight was tasked with transporting a marine pilot from Richards Bay to an incoming vessel, the MV Ambassador. The crew, consisting of a pilot-in-command, a co-pilot acting as an observer, and a flight engineer, departed from Balmoral Central Contracts premises to facilitate the transfer.

Upon approaching the ship, which was located approximately 3 nautical miles offshore, the pilot communicated with the vessel's captain. The helicopter performed a reconnaissance pass along the starboard side of the ship to inspect the designated landing zone, which was marked by a circular 'H' on a hatch cover. After confirming the landing area was clear, the pilot initiated a landing approach from the north-northeast. Once the Agusta 109K2, registration ZS-RRB, had landed, the marine pilot disembarked and moved to a safe area on the deck. However, as the crew prepared for departure, the aircraft experienced intense vibrations. The flight engineer immediately instructed the pilot to shut down the engines after observing a member of the ship's crew walk into the tail rotor.

The investigation

Investigators examined the sequence of events leading to the contact between the tail rotor and the ship's personnel. The inquiry established that the 3rd officer attempted to pass beneath the helicopter's tailboom. While attempting to avoid the aircraft's antennae at the last moment, the officer made contact with the rotating blades.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was the 3rd officer's attempt to walk under the tailboom, which resulted in a collision with the tail rotor.
  • A significant contributing factor was the inadequate training or lack of communication regarding helicopter operations among the ship's crew.
  • The visibility of the aircraft's aerials was insufficient.
  • The specific color scheme of the aircraft made the rotor blades appear shorter than they actually were, potentially misleading the crew member.
  • The crew member involved was not wearing a headset or utilizing a radio transceiver to maintain communication with the flight crew.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a ship's officer attempting to pass under the helicopter's tailboom and striking the tail rotor while trying to avoid the aircraft's antennae, exacerbated by poor crew training and low visibility of the rotor blades.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-06-05 Augusta 109 K2 accident near On the deck of the ship MV Ambassador, ZA?

A commercial Agusta 109K2 helicopter sustained significant damage after a ship's crew member walked into the tail rotor during a passenger transfer.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-06-05 involved a Augusta 109 K2, registration ZS-RRB, at On the deck of the ship MV Ambassador, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a ship's officer attempting to pass under the helicopter's tailboom and striking the tail rotor while trying to avoid the aircraft's antennae, exacerbated by poor crew training and low visibility of the rotor blades.

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