Eurocopter AS 350 B1 Accident at Tignes Les Boisses

Overview and Flight Details On 9 March 2002, a Eurocopter AS 350 B1 helicopter, registration F-GJCP, operated by SAF Hélicoptères, was involved in an accident at Tignes Les Boisses, France. The flight was a work flight, and the pilot and winch assistant were en route to Chamonix with a planned refueling stop at Val d'Isère. The accident occurred at 07:15 UTC. ## Circumstances The helicopter was taken out of its hangar and positioned near the hangar and a technical building. After engine start, the winch assistant boarded, and the pilot brought the helicopter into a low hover. Within two to three seconds, witnesses observed the top of the helicopter's fin strike the hangar roof overhang. The aircraft then made several left turns around its yaw axis before the pilot forced it to the ground, where it broke apart. ## Investigation Findings The investigation found no technical anomaly or malfunction prior to the collision. The helicopter's yaw control chain, including the rudder pedals, ball-bearing control, and hydraulic pump drive belt, was examined and found to be in proper working order. The damage to the hangar roof and paint transfer on the anti-torque rotor blade confirmed the collision. ## Contributing Factors The investigation concluded that the accident was caused by an attempt to take off from an unsuitable area in close proximity to buildings. The narrow space between the hangar and the technical building, combined with the helicopter's rotor wash, likely generated strong turbulence that the pilot could not control. Time pressure for the mission may have contributed to the decision to use this location.