What happened
On September 4, 2023, at approximately 12:10 local time, a Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter, registered as HB-ZOW, was conducting flight training maneuvers near Duillier, Switzerland. The aircraft, operated by the Aéroclub de Genève, was performing an autorotation training session. Following the completion of the training maneuvers and while returning to the Geneva Airport (LSGG) base, the flight crew identified structural damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) examined the incident to determine the extent of the damage and the circumstances surrounding the flight. The investigation focused on the aircraft's condition upon its return to base. The crew, consisting of one instructor and one student pilot, noted that the aircraft had sustained impacts or stresses during the flight operations.
Findings
Upon inspection, the investigation established that the Guimbal Cabri G2 sustained light damage to several key components. Specifically, the damage was located on the main rotor blades, the tail boom, and the landing gear. There were no injuries to the crew or any third parties, and no damage was reported to any structures on the ground.