2001 AS 350 B2 Ecureuil accident at Vinadio (I-LASG)

Incident Overview and Investigation Scope On 9 October 2001, at approximately 06:30 UTC (08:30 local time), an AS 350 B2 “Ecureuil” helicopter with the registration I-LASG was involved in an accident in the Rebruant-Vallone Rio Freddo area of Vinadio, in the province of Cuneo, Italy. The aircraft was carrying a single pilot at the time of the incident. The Italian National Agency for the Safety of Flight (ANSV) was notified by ENAC on the day of the accident and conducted the technical investigation in accordance with Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention and Italian legislation. The agency’s mandate is limited to preventing accidents and incidents, without assigning fault or liability. ## Operational Context and Flight History The helicopter was engaged in aerial work in a mountainous environment, specifically transporting a bucket containing cement using a center-of-gravity sling. The operation involved loading the bucket at a lower elevation of 1,270 meters (4,160 feet) while the helicopter was hovering, and then carrying it to a higher elevation of 1,800 meters (5,900 feet) along a mountain slope on the east side of the Rio Freddo valley. The sling system consisted of an approximately 11-meter cable, comprising a 7.60-meter metal chain and a 3.20-meter hemp terminal rope, from which a metal bucket was suspended. ## Accident Sequence and Site Investigation The accident occurred after the first unloading of the bucket, when the helicopter was returning downhill along the slope. Ground personnel assisted the pilot via radio, providing instructions on altitude and lateral positioning to facilitate the unloading process. The accident site was secured by the Carabinieri under judicial authority, restricting access to rescue personnel only. The first operational site visit was conducted on the day of the accident by a member of the ANSV Board, assisted by a Carabinieri officer from the local Vinadio station. A second site visit was carried out the following day, 10 October 2001, by the assigned investigator, also assisted by local Carabinieri personnel.