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airbus helicopters

Paringa, New Zealand: A loose maintenance bolt that detached during flight caused an Airbus AS350BA helicopter to become increasingly difficult to control before it crashed near the Paringa River mouth on New Zealand's West Coast, according to final findings released by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC). The accident occurred on July 20, 2024, while an Amuri Helicopters Airbus AS350BA, registration ZK-HJM, was being flown from Queenstown to Franz Josef following maintenance work performed at Queenstown Aerodrome. The helicopter was carrying a pilot and one passenger. Both occupants sustained minor injuries and were transported to hospital, while the aircraft suffered substantial damage. According to the investigation, engineers from Salus Aviation had swapped the helicopter's left and right hydraulic servo actuators during scheduled maintenance. However, a critical securing bolt on the lower attachment point of the left-hand hydraulic servo actuator was not properly secured before the aircraft was returned to service. Investigators determined that the associated nut had not been tightened to the required torque and that a locking pin was either missing or incorrectly installed. Although the work was subject to a mandatory duplicate inspection by a second engineer, the defect went undetected. Approximately 52 minutes into the flight, the pilot felt a sudden jolt and observed abnormal main rotor blade tracking. Seven minutes later, concerned by the abnormal indications, the pilot initiated a precautionary landing. During the descent, cyclic control forces increased significantly, particularly when attempting left control inputs. As the helicopter descended to between three and seven metres above the ground, it rolled and collided with terrain before coming to rest on its left side. TAIC found that the securing bolt eventually detached completely during the flight, significantly limiting the pilot's control of the helicopter. The investigation identified several human-factor issues that contributed to the maintenance error. The engineer responsible for the task was reportedly distracted by both a customer interaction and a hydraulic fluid spill while performing the work. Investigators also found the engineer was working under time pressure ahead of a planned holiday and did not sufficiently verify the maintenance task before completion. The second engineer responsible for the duplicate safety inspection also failed to identify the improperly secured hardware. The engineer told investigators they could not explain why the defect was missed but acknowledged experiencing broken sleep at the time, which may have affected performance. Following the accident, Salus Aviation conducted an internal investigation and implemented a series of corrective actions. The company temporarily removed the involved engineers from release-to-service inspection duties, introduced additional training, strengthened inspection and documentation procedures, implemented independent post-maintenance inspections, and established regular assurance audits. Measures aimed at reducing workplace distractions and improving engineering oversight were also introduced. TAIC concluded that the maintenance provider had adequately addressed the safety deficiencies identified during the investigation. As a result, the Commission did not issue any formal safety recommendations.

Loose Bolt Left Undetected During Inspection Caused New Zealand Airbus AS350 Crash

Aviation Today News Desk / June 19, 2026

Paringa, New Zealand: A loose maintenance bolt that detached during flight caused an Airbus AS350BA helicopter to become increasingly difficult […]

Mezzovico-Vira, Switzerland: A helicopter crash in Mezzovico-Vira left six people injured on Monday afternoon after the aircraft fell from a height of approximately 20 metres during an approach phase, authorities confirmed. The accident occurred shortly after 4:30 p.m. local time on May 4, 2026, in the canton of Ticino. According to initial reports, the helicopter was attempting to approach a construction site in the Mezzovico-Vira area when it suddenly lost altitude and crashed. The helicopter was operated by a private company. According to the Aviation Safety Network, the helicopter involved in the Mezzovico-Vira accident was an Airbus Helicopters H125, registered HB-ZEJ (MSN 9856), manufactured in 2025 and powered by a Safran Arriel 2D engine. The aircraft, listed under owner/operator Tarmac Aviation, was engaged in a non-scheduled passenger/charter flight when it made a hard landing during the landing phase near a worksite at Via Vira around 16:30 on May 4, 2026, in Mezzovico-Vira, Switzerland. A total of six people were on board, including the pilot. All occupants sustained injuries of varying severity: 1 person: Life-threatening (critical condition) 2 people: Moderately injured 3 people: Minor injuries Authorities have not released the identities of the victims so far. Investigators have stated that the cause of the crash remains unknown at this stage. The helicopter reportedly fell from a height of around 20 metres during its approach, but no confirmed technical or operational cause has been identified yet. A formal investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances leading to the accident. A large-scale emergency response was launched immediately after the crash. The following agencies were involved: Cantonal police of Ticino Federal Office of Police Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board Local police from Vedeggio Fire brigades from Lugano and Rivera Rescue teams including Croce Verde Lugano Rega air rescue services Emergency teams treated the injured at the scene before transporting them to nearby medical facilities. Authorities have secured the crash site and initiated a technical and operational investigation. Officials are expected to examine flight conditions during approach, possible mechanical issues, pilot handling and operational procedure. No further updates on the victims’ conditions or the cause have been released as of now.

Helicopter Crash

Helicopter Crash In Ticino Injures Six After 20-Metre Fall, Cause Under Investigation

Aviation Today News Desk / May 5, 2026

Mezzovico-Vira, Switzerland: A helicopter crash in Mezzovico-Vira left six people injured on Monday afternoon after the aircraft fell from a

Airbus Secures $21B in Orders, Defense Deals and New Tech MoUs at Paris Air Show 2025

Aviation Today News Desk / June 20, 2025

Paris, France: Airbus concluded a commanding performance at the 2025 Paris Air Show with a wide-ranging portfolio of new aircraft

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