What happened
On April 21, 2000, a Bell 206B Jet Ranger III, registration HB-XMT, crashed approximately 350 meters northeast of the Vorab Glacier helipad in the Swiss Alps. The flight, operated by Airport Helicopter, was originally intended to transport passengers from Basel to Samedan, with a planned intermediate stop at Crap Sogn Gion. However, during the return leg, the pilot attempted an approach to the Vorab Glacier helipad.
Witnesses on the glacier observed the helicopter flying at a very low speed and appearing unstable near the terrain. One witness noted the aircraft performing unusual maneuvers, including a rapid rotation around its vertical axis, followed by an explosive sound. The aircraft eventually descended sharply behind a mountain ridge, leading to the destruction of the helicopter and the two fatalities of the pilot and one passenger.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) in collaboration with various forensic and material testing institutes, examined the wreckage and the pilot's flight history. Technical analysis of the wreckage, including the main rotor mast and tail rotor shaft, revealed that all damage was secondary to the impact. No mechanical failures or engine power issues were identified prior to the crash.
Investigators also reviewed meteorological data from nearby stations, which indicated significant wind activity, including gusts up and shifts in wind direction. The pilot's medical records and toxicology reports showed no evidence of impairment or underlying health issues that could have contributed to the accident.