What happened
On February 24, 2023, at approximately 11:26 local time, a McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems 500N, registered as HB-XYP, was conducting a training flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). The flight originated from the Schindellegi Heliport (LSXS) with the intention of landing at the Clariden-Hüfifirn mountain landing site (LSVD). During the landing sequence on the glacier, the helicopter tipped onto its right side.
The investigation
The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) initiated an inquiry into the incident. The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the landing at the glacier and the subsequent movement of the aircraft. The aircraft, operated by Fuchs Helikopter, was carrying two occupants: one flight instructor and one student pilot.
Findings
While the preliminary report does not provide a final determination of the cause, it establishes that the aircraft tipped onto its right side during the touchdown phase on the glacier. The impact resulted in heavy damage to the McDonnell Douglas 500N. There were no injuries to the crew or any third parties, and no damage was reported to property outside of the aircraft.