Accident Overview
On 3 July 2007, at 11:30 local time, a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, registration HB-ZGT, operated by Tarmac Aviation SA, was involved in an accident during external load operations near Sassi Grossi, Bodio, in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland. The helicopter was performing a hay transport from a pick-up site on Alp Monti di Faidal to a drop-off site in Bodio Mondelle.
Sequence of Events
The helicopter, equipped with a 20-meter longline, completed seven rotations without incident. During the eighth rotation, as the helicopter descended and the net containing hay bales was approximately three meters above the ground, the owner of the transported goods unexpectedly approached the drop-off area. The flight helper, who was in radio communication with the pilot, noticed the person at the last moment and issued a warning shout. Despite the warning, the person continued forward. The flight helper then signaled the pilot to climb, but the load struck the person, causing serious injuries.
Personnel and Equipment
The pilot, a Swiss national born in 1976, held a commercial pilot license for helicopters and had accumulated 3,410 total flight hours, with 1,840 hours on the accident helicopter type. The flight helper, an Italian national born in 1983, had been employed seasonally since 2 April 2007 and had received training from the operator, including theoretical instruction and practical experience under an experienced flight helper.
Weather and Conditions
At the time of the accident, weather conditions were suitable for visual flight rules operations. Winds were from the southeast at 4 to 6 knots, visibility was approximately 20 km, and there were 5-6/8 clouds at 9,000 feet above mean sea level.
Post-Accident Findings
No technical problems with the helicopter or equipment were identified. The helicopter sustained no damage, and no third-party property damage occurred.
Probable Cause
The accident was due to the fact that an external load collided with a person who unexpectedly moved into the danger area. The fact that this person was not informed of potential hazards before the load transport played a role in the accident.