Helicopter collision in Kvæfjord highlights safety concerns, urges reevaluation of powerline marking in Norway

On September 6, 2021, an Airbus AS350 B1 helicopter collided with a powerline span in Kvæfjord, Troms, while carrying four people onboard. The actions taken by the pilot after the collision likely prevented a fatal outcome, according to the Aviation Accident Investigation Board. The investigation identified several contributing factors, including inadequate safety measures from the helicopter operator and poor visibility of the powerline, which led to the pilot not noticing the span until it was too late.

The investigation also revealed that the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority, which had previously determined in 2010 that the powerline span did not require marking, should reconsider this conclusion. Following the collision, the pilot temporarily lost control but managed to perform an emergency landing on soft ground.

Key findings from the investigation included:
– The helicopter was very close to a total loss upon impact with the powerline span.
– The pilot’s maneuvers after the collision contributed to avoiding a fatal accident.
– Procedures from the operator were not fully adhered to, leading to inadequate mission planning and increased workload for the pilot.
– The pilot utilized an iPad for navigation, which did not include the unmarked powerline.
– Post-incident, the operator has updated their procedures and risk assessments.

The investigation emphasized that luck played a significant role in preventing serious consequences from the incident. The unmarked powerline was exempted from marking requirements following an inquiry from the operator to the aviation authority in 2010, which concluded that it posed no obstacle to air traffic. The investigation recommends a reevaluation of the marking exemption to enhance air safety.