Accident
On 24 February 2023 at 11:26 local time, a McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems 500N helicopter, registration HB-XYP, tipped onto its right side while landing on the Clariden-Hüfifirn glacier (LSVD), a mountain landing site in Switzerland. The accident occurred during a training flight conducted under visual flight rules (VFR). The helicopter was seriously damaged, and no injuries were reported among the crew, passengers, or third parties.
Aircraft and Operator
The helicopter was owned by Helivetia AG of Hagendorn and operated by Robert Fuchs AG, Fuchs Helikopter, based in Schindellegi. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was occupied by one flight instructor and one flight student.
Flight Details
The flight originated from Heliport Schindellegi (LSXS) with the destination of the Clariden-Hüfifirn glacier landing site. The operation was classified as training.
Investigation
The Swiss Safety Investigation Board (SUST) has opened an investigation into the incident. This preliminary report provides a brief and provisional overview of the accident sequence without drawing conclusions. Further details will be released as the investigation progresses.