What happened
On March 16, 2024, at approximately 13:20 local time, a Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter, registered HB-ZLX, was conducting a training flight near Vétroz, Switzerland. The aircraft, operated by the Chablais Heli Club, was performing maneuvers under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) as part of an instructional session involving one instructor and one student. During the execution of hovering exercises, the helicopter performed several left-hand turns around the yaw axis. During these maneuvers, the aircraft struck the ground and subsequently rolled onto its side.
The investigation
The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) opened an investigation into the occurrence. The preliminary findings confirm that the aircraft sustained heavy damage, while damage to property on the ground was minimal. The flight originated from and was intended to return to Sion Airport (LSGS).
Findings
- The primary sequence of events involved the aircraft losing altitude or control during yaw-axis maneuvers while attempting to maintain a hover.
- The crew consisted of one person with serious injuries and one person who remained uninjured.
- The accident occurred during a routine instructional flight profile.