Investigation Summary
The flight was a private charter for Eczacibasi Holding, carrying a Turkish businessman and four Russian guests. Despite heavy fog and poor visibility at the time of departure from Istanbul Ataturk Airport, the flight proceeded under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Approximately six minutes into the flight, the helicopter entered the vicinity of the Endem TV Tower, a 257-meter (843 ft) structure. While the tower was clearly marked on aviation charts as a significant obstacle, the investigation noted that the tower was located within a designated 'no-fly' zone. The crew failed to maintain vertical or lateral clearance while operating in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). The main rotor or fuselage struck the tower, leading to a total loss of control and a subsequent impact with the D100 highway in the Buyukcekmece district.
Final Conclusions
The primary cause of the accident was the pilots' decision to continue flight into deteriorating weather conditions (heavy fog) which resulted in a loss of visual reference. This led to an accidental collision with a known stationary obstacle (the Endem TV Tower) that was clearly marked on aviation charts. The investigation highlighted that the lack of visibility prevented the crew from seeing and avoiding the tower during the low-altitude transit, and they failed to adhere to the minimum safe altitudes required for the area.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Crew Experience
Pilot in Command
Experienced pilot who failed to maintain clearance from a charted obstacle in IMC.
Co-pilot
Systems & Failure Modes
Visual Flight Rules (VFR)
The crew was operating in conditions that likely required Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) due to fog, but they were flying in a low-altitude environment where visual contact with obstacles is critical.
Obstacle Collision Avoidance
The aircraft struck a stationary, charted TV tower that the crew failed to avoid due to restricted visibility.
Interesting Facts
- 01The helicopter was manufactured in 2008.
- 02The aircraft's Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) was 760717.
- 03The Endem TV Tower is a 257-meter (843 ft) structure clearly marked on aviation charts as an obstacle.
- 04Weather at the time of the accident was reported as heavy fog with very low visibility.
- 05The crash site was located on a major highway (D100) in the Büyükçekmece district.
- 06All seven occupants, including two pilots and five passengers, were killed instantly.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Visibility and Obstacle Awareness
The Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation emphasized the importance of pilots adhering to no-fly zones and maintaining strict weather minimums, especially in areas with known high-rise obstacles like the Endem TV Tower, which was located in a restricted area.