Report on aviation accident 24 June 2014 at Hjerkinn in Dovre municipality, Oppland county involving Airbus Helicopters AS 350 B3e, LN-OSY
Aviation report 2015/08 eng
The helicopter flew transport missions for the Norwegian Armed Forces when it crashed at Hjerkinn in Dovre. AIBN investigation confirms the pilot in command's statement that the engine stopped shortly after the departure. One of the five occupants was seriously injured when the helicopter hit the ground. The helicopter was substantially damaged.
AIBN investigations indicate that engine power was lost due to blockage of fuel supply to the engine.
It has not been possible to find a clear explanation of what caused this blockage.
AIBN has found that warning-logic in the helicopter did not provide the pilot in command with the appropriate information according to the severity of the onset error. In this connection, the Accident Investigation Board Norway has issued a safety recommendation to the helicopter and engine manufacturer.
Safety recommendation
Safety recommendation SL no 2015/07T
The loss of engine power was presented to the pilot on CWP with yellow GOV light. According to the helicopter’s emergency checklist, the action to be taken is: “LAND AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE”. AIBN is of the opinion that this does not reflect the need for immediate reaction from the pilot in the event of a fuel pressure break and subsequent loss of engine power.
The Accident Investigation Board Norway therefore recommends that Turbomeca consider changes to the AS 350 B3e warning system and other helicopter types in the Airbus family with similar warning logic, so that the pilot receives the correct information in relation to the severity of the occurred failure. (A similar safety recommendation is also issued to Airbus Helicopters.)
Safety recommendation SL no 2015/08T
The loss of engine power was presented to the pilot on CWP with yellow GOV light. According to the helicopter's emergency checklist, the action to be taken is: “LAND AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE”. AIBN is of the opinion that this does not reflect the need for immediate reaction from the pilot in the event of a fuel pressure break and subsequent loss of engine power.
The Accident Investigation Board Norway therefore recommends that Airbus Helicopters consider changes to the AS 350 B3e warning system and other helicopter types in the Airbus family with similar warning logic, so that the pilot receives the correct information in relation to the severity of the occurred failure. (A similar safety recommendation is also issued to Turbomeca.)
Facts
| Location | Dovre municipality, Oppland county, Norway |
| Occurrence date | 24.06.2014 |
| Aircraft | Airbus Helicopter AS 350 B3 Ecureuil |
| Operator | Pegasus Helicopter AS |
| Registration | LN-OSY |
| Meteorological conditions | VMC |
| County | Oppland |
| 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 | ENOS (Oslo ATCC) |