What happened
On September 16, 2023, a Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter, registration TC-HFC, was performing a VFR flight from Sivrihisar Aviation Center to an area near the Akrones Hotel in Afyonkarahisar. The flight, carrying one pilot and one passenger, proceeded without incident until the landing phase.
Upon approaching the landing site, the pilot conducted a reconnaissance flight to assess the landing area and wind conditions. After determining the site was safe, the pilot commenced the landing approach. During this phase, the aircraft encountered sudden turbulence. Despite the pilot's attempts to apply corrective controls, the helicopter lacked sufficient altitude and airspeed to recover. Consequently, the tail rotor struck trees located near the hotel, causing the aircraft to come to rest against the trees. The pilot and passenger were able to evacuate the aircraft safely on their own.
The investigation
The UEİM investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, the pilot's credentials, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the event. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft had undergone its 50-hour periodic maintenance just days prior to the incident and that all required airworthiness and registration documents were valid. The pilot held a valid PPL(H) license and a current medical certificate, with post-incident testing confirming a zero percent blood alcohol content.
Investigators also reviewed the meteorological data from a nearby station. While the general weather conditions were suitable for flight, the investigation focused on localized wind effects caused by the proximity of structures to the landing site.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained heavy damage, specifically to the main rotor blades, the tail section, the cockpit, the fuselage, and the skids.
- The pilot's license and medical certification were valid and up to date.
- The aircraft's maintenance status was compliant, with the most recent 50-hour inspection completed on September 6, 2023.
- The aircraft had sufficient fuel for the intended mission.
- Localized turbulence and wind shear caused by the nearby building acted as a contributing factor, as the pilot was unable to fully account for the wind disruption caused by the structure during the approach.
Safety action
- The aircraft owner was advised to exercise greater caution when selecting landing sites, specifically regarding the assessment of potential turbulence and wind shear caused by surrounding obstacles or buildings.