Aircraft and Flight
The involved helicopter was an Airbus Helicopters AS 350 B3, registered as HB-ZLK. It was owned and operated by Swiss Helicopter AG, based in Chur, Switzerland. The flight was conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) as a work flight (Arbeitsflug). The pilot was the sole occupant; no passengers were carried. The flight departed from and was destined for the same location in Chalttobel, municipality of Conters im Prättigau, canton of Graubünden.
Accident Sequence
On 18 June 2024, at 13:18 local time, the helicopter was engaged in a logging operation, specifically placing a load (a tree trunk). During the load placement, the transported tree trunk made contact with the ground. Subsequently, the helicopter began to rotate around its vertical axis before impacting the ground hard.
Damage and Injuries
The pilot sustained severe injuries. No third persons were injured. The helicopter was severely damaged. As a third-party damage, fuel spilled from the aircraft.
Investigation
The Swiss Safety Investigation Authority (SUST) opened an investigation. This preliminary report provides an initial orientation without conclusions. No probable cause has been stated.