Accident Summary
On 28 August 2000, at approximately 10:55 local time, a Eurocopter AS 350 B2 helicopter, registration HB-XXL, operated by Heli Bernina AG, experienced an accident on the Morteratsch Glacier near Samedan, Switzerland. The aircraft sustained heavy damage, and the pilot suffered fatal injuries. Four passengers incurred minor injuries.
Sequence of Events
The helicopter departed Samedan airfield around 10:45 with six persons on board: the pilot, a flight assistant, a mountain guide, and three other passengers. After a brief landing at the Diavolezza mountain station to prepare for a second flight, the flight assistant disembarked. The helicopter then continued to the Morteratsch Glacier with five occupants: the pilot and four passengers (including the mountain guide). The flight to the glacier was reported as uneventful with good visibility and light south wind. Approaching the intended landing site north of Piz Argient, the mountain guide pointed out the location. The pilot initiated a hover approximately 1 meter above fresh snow. Rotor downwash stirred up the snow, and the helicopter began drifting left. Before the mountain guide could alert the pilot, the left landing skid dug into the snow, causing the helicopter to tip over onto its left side.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained fatal head injuries, as confirmed by autopsy. The four passengers received minor injuries. The helicopter was heavily damaged: the cabin right side was destroyed, the rotor mast separated, the Starflex rotor head fractured, and two main rotor blades shattered. The tail rotor was intact. No fire occurred.
Probable Cause
The accident was caused by the helicopter tipping over after loss of visual reference on a surface of fresh snow.