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Home <<Accident: EC135P2+, 270 Helicopter, Near Borrisoleigh, Co. Tipperary, on 19 June 2012: Report 2013-004
SYNOPSIS
EC135P2+ 270, call-sign ‘Ambulance 270’, an air ambulance equipped Air Corps helicopter, was tasked by the National Aeromedical Co-ordination Centre (NACC) to collect a patient from a Health Service Executive (HSE) road ambulance near Borrisoleigh, Co Tipperary, and transfer him to Limerick Regional Hospital for treatment.
The weather en route from its base, Custume Barracks Athlone, to the intended pick up point was good. On approach to landing in a field and shortly before touchdown, the helicopter’s main rotor blades struck ESB2 20 kV overhead wires and severed them. This wire impact caused severe airframe vibration and a momentary oscillation of the helicopter, forcing the Pilot to carry out an immediate forced landing, which was heavy. He shut down the engines and the crew exited safely and uninjured. As there was substantial damage evident to the helicopter, the patient was transferred to hospital by road.
Contact Details
Air Accident Investigation Unit
Department of Transport
2nd Floor
Leeson Lane
Dublin 2
D02TR60
Ireland
Tel (24 hr Emergency only):
+353 1 604 1293
+353 1 241 1777
Tel (Administration):
+353 1 604 1292
+353 1 604 1513
Fax:
+353 1 604 1514
Email: info@aaiu.ie
Reporting an Occurrence
You can report an accident or an incident by ringing our 24 hour lines at:
+353 1 604 1293 or
+353 1 241 1777
Pilot Report Form
Pilots involved in an event should fill out a Pilot Report Form. You can download a PDF copy of the form or request one from the AAIU at the 24 hour line number given above.