Investigation of a serious aviation incident at Mauranger, Kvinnherad, Norway
On 24 June 2026 an Airbus Helicopters AS 350, LN-OXA was to be used to move a blasting mat. The blasting mat, which was located in steep terrain, was attached to the helicopter using a longline and lifting slings. As the helicopter began pulling the mat, it started sliding down the mountainside. This resulted in a partially uncontrolled descent of the helicopter, and the pilot released the longline. During the occurrence, the helicopter came into contact with trees.
Airlift AS had been contracted by Romarheim Entreprenør AS to transport equipment and blasting mats in connection with terrain improvement work beneath a power line corridor. The blasting mat involved in the occurrence was located beneath a power line. The pilot planned to drag the mat diagonally away from the power line before lifting it. When the mat began to slide, the pilot initially attempted to follow it downhill in order to avoid sudden shock loads on the helicopter. The pilot experienced a greater rate of descent than anticipated and released the longline from the helicopter's belly hook. After landing the helicopter, the pilot was informed that the main rotor had come into contact with some trees. He observed green vegetation marks on the rotor blades but did not identify any further damage.
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) was notified on 14 July 2026 and initiated an investigation.
The investigation will clarify the sequence of events and the contributing factors to the incident. Based on this, the NSIA will assess areas for improving safety.
It is not the NSIA’s task to apportion blame or liability under criminal or civil law. The purpose of the investigation is solely to contribute to learning and the prevention of serious incidents and accidents.
Latest update: 07.08.2026
Facts
| Location | Mauranger, Kvinnherad municipality, Vestland county, Norway |
| Occurrence date | 24.06.2026 |
| Aircraft | Airbus Helicopter AS 350 B3 Ecureuil |
| Registration | LN-OXA |
| Meteorological conditions | VMC |
| County | Vestland |
| Type of occurrence | Serious incident |
| Type of operation | Commercial, other |
| Category of operation | Light, helicopter (<= 2 250kg) |
| Aircraft category | Helicopter, Single-engine |