AAIB March 2018
 

Two reports this month.


AS 355 F1: G-OHCP


The helicopter was flying on a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flight plan from its operating base near Cranfield Airport on a direct track to a private site near Dublin. The weather on departure was suitable for VFR flight but, as forecast, deteriorated markedly in the area of Snowdonia with low cloud and rain. The helicopter flew over a witness 4.3 nm southeast of the accident site before disappearing into the cloud. Shortly afterwards it struck the east side of Rhinog Fawr Mountain, fatally injuring the five occupants.


EC120B Colibri, G-SWNG


The right engine cowling opened and struck the main rotor blades as the helicopter flared to land. The incident was caused by the three cowling latches remaining unlocked after maintenance completed prior to the flight. The pilot did not complete a walkaround inspection, prior to the flight, which should have identified the unlocked latches.