What happened
On the morning of October 5, 2016, an SA 315 B Lama helicopter, registered as HB-XRD, was preparing for a flight in the municipality of Monteceneri, Switzerland. The aircraft, operated by Heli TV SA, was performing an aerial work mission under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) during daylight hours. The flight was intended to proceed from Monte Ceneri toward the antenna located at Monte Tamaro.
During the takeoff maneuver, an incident occurred involving the ground personnel. One of the two assistants stationed on the ground became entangled in the external load sling. The impact of the maneuver resulted in the individual sustaining a serious injury to one arm.
The investigation
The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) opened an inquiry into the event to determine the circumstances surrounding the injury. The investigation focused on the takeoff sequence and the interaction between the aircraft's external lifting equipment and the ground crew during the transition from ground operations to flight.
Findings
The primary cause of the injury was the entanglement of a ground assistant in the external load sling during the aircraft's departure. While the pilot and the flight assistant on board the helicopter remained uninjured, the physical mechanics of the takeoff caused the sling to catch the crew member on the ground.