What happened
On March 28, 2014, at approximately 09:30 local time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, registration HB-ZJW, was conducting a flight training session at Sion Airport (LSGS). The aircraft was operated by Héli-Alpes SA and was engaged in VFR instructional flight. During the flight, the crew was performing a simulation of an engine failure while maintaining a hover. During this maneuver, the helicopter experienced a hard landing, which resulted in damage to the aircraft's landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the landing at Sion Airport. The crew consisted of a professional pilot and a student pilot. Both occupants remained uninjured following the impact. The investigation confirmed that the incident occurred during a specific training maneuver intended to practice emergency procedures.
Findings
- The primary cause of the landing gear damage was the hard landing sustained during the maneuver.
- The incident occurred specifically during a simulated engine failure while the aircraft was in a hover.