Investigation of aircraft accident at Sognesand, Sandnes Municipality, Rogaland County, Norway
On 16 November 2020 LN-OAX, an Airbus helicopters AS 350 B3, lost control during delivery of concret to a powermast fundament.
The aircraft was performing external load flights with delivering of concrete to a powerline fundament. During delivery of concrete to powerline mast number 49, the pilot experienced severe vertically vibrations. The pilot took immediate action, released the external load and was capable to manoeuvre the helicopter away from the construction area. During this operation the helicopter lost altitude and hit some threes. The helicopter stopped laying on the right-hand side about 33 meters from the construction area. No persons were seriously injured.
After initial inspection at the accident site the helicopter has been transported to the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority's facilities in Lillestrøm, Norway for further examinations.
Photo: NSIA
Update 28 January 2021
NSIA publishes a preliminary report to update on both factual information and the progress related to the aircraft accident.
Update 21 February 2024
The reason for the oscillations is likely that the helicopter came up in a situation where the Rotorcraft Pilot Coupling occurred. In 2023, Airbus Helicopters published two safety informations describing the phenomenon Pilot Induced Oscillation. (SIN 3899-S-67 and SIN 3890-S-00).
Status of the investigation
The investigation is in the final phase. A draft report is about to be sent for consultation.
Latest update: 21.02.2024
Facts
| Location | Sognesand, Sandnes Municipality, Rogaland County, Norway |
| Occurrence date | 16.11.2020 |
| Aircraft | Airbus Helicopter AS 350 B3 Ecureuil |
| Operator | Heli-Team AS |
| Registration | LN-OAX |
| Meteorological conditions | VMC |
| County | Rogaland |
| Type of occurrence | Accident |
| Type of operation | Commercial, other |
| Category of operation | Light, helicopter (<= 2 250kg) |
| Aircraft category | Helicopter, Single-engine, Turboprop/turboshaft |
| FIR/AOR | ENSV (Stavanger ATCC) |