AAIB investigation to AS-350, D-HKMB

Underslung load struck electricity pylon, Auchmacoy, Aberdeenshire, 17 September 2022.

From:
Air Accidents Investigation Branch
Published
9 February 2023
Category:
General aviation - rotorcraft
Report type:
Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
Date of occurrence:
17 September 2022
Aircraft type:
AS-350
Location:
Auchmacoy, Aberdeenshire
Registration:
D-HKMB

Summary:

The helicopter was conducting a survey operation which required flight on closely-spaced parallel tracks at low height. During the turn between two tracks it descended, and the underslung sensor array struck an electricity supply pylon. The impact severed the electricity supply cables causing a loss of power to approximately 1,682 properties. The pilot was unaware of the event and continued his planned sortie.

Following this event, the CAA stipulated enhanced risk mitigation measures for such operations.

Download report:

AS-350, D-HKMB 02-23

Download glossary of abbreviations:

Glossary of abbreviations

Updates to this page

Published 9 February 2023
Contents