After Landing this HEMS Helicopter Suddenly Started to Slide Towards it’s Hangar… (ADAC Airbus EC135P2+ at University Hospital Augsburg)
On 5 June 2022, shortly after an ADAC Airbus EC135P2+ HEMS helicopter, callsign Christoph 40, landed at its base, an elevated helipad at the University Hospital Augsburg, in Bavaria, the pilot was surprised by the sudden uncommanded movement of the helicopter.
The Incident
According to the German safety investigation agency, the BFU, who published their report in German only the rooftop hospital landing site has a…
…18 m x 18 m final approach and take off area (FATO) / touch down and take off area (TLOF), a helicopter parking area and a 5.24 m x 7.5 m mobile helicopter platform for landing and exiting the helicopter.
ADAC University Hospital Augsburg Elevated Heliport (Credit: www.rth.info via BFU)
The site is at an elevation of 58 m.
After the landing approach to the marked landing area, [the pilot] manoeuvred the helicopter to the mobile platform to land. The platform was in the outboard position and the hangar doors were closed.
The helicopter touched down on the platform with the nose of the fuselage pointing towards the hangar.
Before the engine power was reduced, the pilot noticed the platform rolling away in the direction of the closed hangar doors, picked up the helicopter again immediately and then hovered to the parking position.
Investigators found the brakes to the mobile helicopter transport platform were not applied. But why?…
The Platform
This unit had been in use since the heliport opened in 2014 but the BFU report it had proved troublesome in service. It is battery-operated and runs on rails. In its the outer position, the distance from the centre of the turntable on the platform to the hangar doors was about 16 m. The D-value of an EC135 is 12 m, so when centred there is c 10 m of clearance from the doors.
Track for Mobile Helicopter Transport Platform at ADAC University Hospital Augsburg Elevated Heliport (Credit: Hospital via BFU)
The 28 V DC motor has an integral brake. When powered up the brake is released and when power is removed it activates. The brake can also be disengaged to allow the unit to be moved by hand but the brake then should be manually reengaged.
Motor and Manual Brake Engagement/Disengagement Handle of Mobile Helicopter Transport Platform at ADAC University Hospital Augsburg Elevated Heliport (Credit: Hospital via BFU)
Investigators found was that while the helicopter had been airborne on an operational tasking, a hospital technician had been conducting repairs. While they don’t elaborate it appears the unit was left with power disengaged and the brake disengaged.
Such platforms are not subject to aviation regulations but fall within health and safety regulations for work equipment. The BFU have expressed concern that ICAO Annex 14 Volume II (Heliports) does not address the safety of these units.
Other Similar Incidents
The BFU note three prior incidents with mobile helicopter transport platforms:
- BFU 3X449-96 on 10/11/1996: The platform on which the helicopter was standing began to move after the engines had been started, without the operating speed having been reached. The helicopter collided with a building.
- BFU 3X012-0/05 on 03/11/2005: When taking off from the transport platform, the helicopter got caught on a protruding wheel, rolled to the left and touched the ground with the main rotor and tail boom. The helicopter remained on the left side, badly damaged.
- BFU 7X010-0/07 on 08/23/2007: During take-off from the transport platform, the cable from the external power connection briefly got caught on the right skid of the helicopter.
There have also been accidents landing on similar units: Dramatic Loss of Control During AS350 Landing Practice
Safety Actions
A new mechanical lock has been introduced and procurement of a new unit is planned for 2023.
Safety Resources
The European Safety Promotion Network Rotorcraft (ESPN-R) has a helicopter safety discussion group on LinkedIn. You may also find these Aerossurance articles of interest:
- Fatal GOM B407 Offshore Take Off Accident: Safety, Helideck & SAR / Emergency Response Questions
- Air Ambulance Helicopter Fell From Kathmandu Hospital Helipad (Video)
- Air Ambulance B407 Hospital Helipad Deck Edge Tail Strike During Shallow Approach
- US Air Ambulance Helicopter Hospital Heliport Tail Strike
- Air Methods AS350B3 Air Ambulance Tucson Tail Strike
- NTSB on LA A109S Rooftop Hospital Helipad Landing Accident
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- Air Ambulance Helicopter Downed by Fencing FOD
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- Taxiing AW139 Blade Strike on Maintenance Stand
- UPDATE 25 March 2023: Managing Interruptions: HEMS Call-Out During Engine Rinse
- UPDATE 4 February 2024: HEMS Air Ambulance Landing Site Slide
IHST / USHST guidance on ‘dolly operations’
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