Investigation Summary
The helicopter was operating as part of a routine training mission launched from the French naval vessel FS Foudre, positioned off the coast of Gabon between Port-Gentil and Libreville. Shortly after departure, the aircraft impacted the water near the coastal city of Nyonie. Initial rescue efforts were conducted by the crew of the FS Foudre, who recovered three survivors from the water; however, one of these individuals died shortly after reaching medical facilities. The French oil company Total S.A. contributed to the search and recovery operation by providing two helicopters, several ships, and underwater robotic equipment. The wreckage was identified on January 18, 2009, lying on the seabed. French President Nicolas Sarkozy dispatched Defense Minister Hervé Morin to Gabon to coordinate with local authorities and meet with the families of the victims stationed at Camp De Gaulle.
Final Conclusions
The investigation conducted by the Bureau Enquetes Accidents pour la securite de l'aeronautique d'Etat (BEAD-Air) concluded that the accident was caused by the pilot's loss of situational awareness and spatial disorientation. The takeoff occurred on a very dark night from the deck of the FS Foudre, providing the crew with few visual cues. The pilot inadvertently allowed the helicopter to enter a descending bank shortly after lift-off, leading to an impact with the sea. The investigation also noted that the crew's lack of recent experience in night deck landings and takeoffs contributed to the event.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
Eurocopter AS 532 Cougar
A twin-engine, medium-weight multipurpose helicopter developed by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters).
FS Foudre (L9011)
A Foudre-class landing platform dock of the French Navy used as the mobile base for the helicopter operations during the exercise.
Interesting Facts
- 01The crash occurred during a joint military exercise between France and Gabon.
- 02The aircraft was a Eurocopter AS 532 Cougar operated by the French military.
- 03The wreckage was found at a depth of 35 meters (115 feet).
- 04Ten soldiers were on board: four crew members and six passengers.
- 05The accident site was located off the coast of Nyonie, between Port-Gentil and Libreville.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Fleet Grounding
Source ↗Following the accident, the French military temporarily grounded its entire fleet of 17 Eurocopter AS 532 Cougar transport helicopters as a precautionary measure while initial investigations were conducted.