What happened
On December 6, 2017, at approximately 10:50 local time, an Airbus Helicopters AS 350 B3, registration HB-ZOI, was engaged in an aerial work operation near Gordola, specifically at the Prese Acqua Riale Carcale area in the Canton of Ticino. The aircraft, operated by Heli-TV SA, was performing a flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) with a departure and destination point of Riale Carcale.
During the mission, the pilot attempted to land the helicopter on a designated landing pad located at a construction site. Immediately following the touchdown on the pad, the aircraft unexpectedly lifted and subsequently capsized.
The investigation
The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) initiated an inquiry into the event. The preliminary investigation focused on the sequence of events surrounding the landing maneuver and the physical state of the aircraft and landing surface. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft sustained significant damage, resulting in it being destroyed, while the ground itself sustained only light markings.
Findings
The primary finding regarding the accident dynamics is that the helicopter overturned after making contact with the construction site landing pad. No injuries to the pilot or crew were reported, and no third parties were involved in the incident.