Investigation Summary
The accident occurred during a return ferry flight after the pilot had transported a passenger from Fornebu to Kvinesdal. Despite forecasts for rain and thunderstorms, the pilot initiated the return leg toward Kjeller. During the flight, visibility and light conditions deteriorated significantly. The pilot reportedly performed an unscheduled landing north of Tveitvatnet lake due to weather but elected to continue shortly after, believing conditions were improving. Witnesses and a Norwegian Public Roads Administration video camera recorded the helicopter flying at a very low altitude just before it impacted two cables of a high-voltage power line crossing the E18 motorway. The NSIA investigation has found no evidence of mechanical faults or irregularities in the helicopter that could have influenced the sequence of events.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Lycoming O-540-F1B5
The piston engine powering the Robinson R44; no faults were identified during the post-accident examination.
Interesting Facts
- 01The helicopter was a Robinson R44 Raven I, manufactured in 2008.
- 02The flight was conducted under Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) at the time of the accident.
- 03The pilot was the sole occupant and was fatally injured in the impact.
- 04A video camera from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration captured the final seconds of the flight.
- 05The power lines were situated 13 meters above the E18 road.
Location
ACCIDENT SITE · Coordinates taken from the ntsb final report.