Eurocopter AS 350 B3 accident in Zollikofen, Switzerland (HB-ZES)

Overview and Aircraft Details On 3 August 2010, a Eurocopter AS 350 B3 “Ecureuil” helicopter, registered HB-ZES, was involved in an accident at “Häberlimatte,” south of Schulhausstrasse in Zollikofen, Canton of Bern, Switzerland. The location was approximately 11 km north-northwest of Bern-Belp Airport (LSZB). The aircraft was operated by Eagle Helicopter AG and owned by Fortis Lease Suisse SA. The pilot was a Swiss citizen born in 1962, holding an ATPL(H) and type rating for the AS350. ## Operational Context The helicopter was engaged in a commercial VFR operation to remove two storm-damaged spruce trees using a 60 m nylon transport sling. The operation involved a project manager, a ground crew member, and two additional helicopter riggers. The pilot had not previously used a 60 m sling of this type. ## Sequence of Events During the operation, the pilot landed on a stubble field to wait while the pickup area was reorganized. As the helicopter hovered, a sling loop on the ground became disturbed and was subsequently drawn into the tail rotor. The tail rotor stopped immediately, causing the helicopter to rotate counterclockwise. The pilot reduced collective pitch, and the aircraft made a hard landing after rotating approximately 180° in the air and an additional 45° on the ground. ## Damage and Injuries The helicopter was heavily damaged, and the operation was aborted. The pilot was not injured. No third parties were injured, and there was no third-party damage. The emergency locator transmitter was not activated.