Casualties unknown

2021-12-18: MCDONNELL DOUGLAS HELICOPTER SYSTEMS 500N (HB-ZBM) — Unteriberg, SZ, CH

Unteriberg, SZ, CH

On December 18, 2021, a MCDONNELL DOUGLAS HELICOPTER SYSTEMS 500N (registration HB-ZBM) was involved in an aviation accident near Unteriberg, SZ, CH. This summary draws on records from the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST).

Sourcesthe Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST)Primary reportUpdated 1785034239Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered HB-ZBM
Aircraft registered HB-ZBM. Photo: Flyger83 / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

On 18 December 2021, a McDonnell Douglas 500N helicopter (HB-ZBM) rolled over during touchdown after an autorotation at Unteriberg, Switzerland. The aircraft sustained serious damage; ground had light damage from spilled liquids.

Accident Details

On 18 December 2021, at 16:10 local time, a McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems 500N, registration HB-ZBM, experienced an accident at Unteriberg, Canton of Schwyz, Switzerland. The helicopter was operated by Robert Fuchs AG, doing business as Fuchs Helikopter, and owned by Helivetia AG.

Flight Information

The flight was conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) as a private operation. The departure point was a field landing site at Eischen (AI) (designated ZZZZ) and the intended destination was Heliport Schindellegi (LSXS). The pilot was the sole occupant; there were no crew members, passengers, or third parties on board.

Accident Sequence

During the landing phase, while executing an autorotation, the helicopter rolled over to the left upon touchdown.

Damage Assessment

The helicopter was seriously damaged. The ground sustained light damage due to a small amount of spilled liquids.

Investigation Status

The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB) issued a preliminary notification on 5 January 2022, stating that an investigation is in progress. This report contains only short preliminary information and does not include conclusions or a probable cause.

Investigation report by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST). Original record: https://www.sust.admin.ch/inhalte/AV-berichte/HB-ZBM_VB_e.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB), Switzerland.