Accident Overview
On 28 June 2025 at approximately 12:00 local time, an Airbus Helicopters AS 350 B3, registration HB-ZNR, operated by Air-Glaciers SA, was conducting a working flight under visual flight rules (VFR). The helicopter departed from "Driest" (elevation 2190 m) and was en route to "Z'Leng Fäsch" (elevation 2450 m) in the vicinity of the Grosses Fusshorn, Valais, Switzerland.
Sequence of Events
While performing a hovering maneuver close to the slope, the pilot lost control of the helicopter. The aircraft subsequently sustained heavy damage. The helicopter was occupied by a pilot, a flight helper, and a passenger.
Injuries and Damage
According to the preliminary report by the Swiss Safety Investigation Board (SUST), the passenger sustained fatal injuries, the flight helper sustained minor injuries, and the pilot was uninjured. The helicopter was heavily damaged. No third-party injuries or damage were reported.
Aircraft and Operator Information
The helicopter, an Airbus Helicopters AS 350 B3, was owned and operated by Air-Glaciers SA, based in Sion, Switzerland. The flight was conducted under VFR as a working flight.
Investigation
The Swiss Safety Investigation Board (SUST) has opened an investigation into the accident. This preliminary report provides initial information without conclusions. No probable cause has been stated at this stage.