Introduction
On 18 March 2008, at 10:58 local time, a Kaman K-1200 K-MAX helicopter registered as HB-ZGK and operated by Rotex Helicopter AG was involved in an accident at Buechstägwald, Eigental, in the municipality of Schwarzenberg, approximately 9 km southwest of Lucerne, Switzerland. The helicopter was lifting a multiple load when a dead wood trunk tipped over and struck a forest ranger who was present at the site.
Accident Details
The accident occurred during a logging operation. The helicopter was lifting a load consisting of multiple pieces of wood. As the lift commenced, a dead wood trunk tipped over and contacted the forest ranger, who was positioned in the area. According to the investigation, the forest ranger was by mistake within the danger zone. The nature of injuries or damage to the helicopter is not specified in the source.
Cause
The official investigation determined that the accident was due to the fact that during the lifting of a multiple load, a dead wood trunk tipped over and touched the forest ranger, who was mistakenly in the danger zone. Contributing factors included the decision to carry out transport flights under the prevailing conditions and the forest ranger taking his eyes off the load.