The Bacarella: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In a startling update regarding the helicopter incident involving the UK-registered Airbus AS 350, investigators have determined that a loose cover on a newly installed helideck fuel depot played a critical role in the crash. Dramatic footage from the yacht, including CCTV evidence, captured the moment the cover was violently lifted by the helicopter's downdraft as it approached for landing. This unsecured cover was specifically crafted to conceal the fuel depot and inadvertently found its way into the helicopter's main rotor disc. Witness accounts indicate that the pilot spotted the errant cover and promptly attempted to evade it by initiating a climb. Unfortunately, despite his efforts, the cover collided with the rotor, leading to a loss of control. The aircraft began to spin around its vertical axis before crashing into the water tail-first. Thankfully, the pilot was able to deploy the Emergency Floating System, which successfully kept the helicopter afloat and prevented it from sinking. Following the incident, a 57-year-old man was transported to Haukeland University Hospital, where he remains in critical condition. The other two passengers, who sustained minor injuries, were treated and discharged on May 11. The UK Foreign Office is currently providing assistance to all three Britons involved in this unfortunate event. For additional details, including video footage, visit the full report: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-39895317

In a dramatic incident on May 10, 2017, a helicopter operated by the British firm HQ Aviation crashed into the sea beside the luxury yacht "Bacarella" at Elsesro, Sandviken, Bergen. The accident occurred at approximately 9:24 PM as the helicopter attempted to land. Eyewitnesses report that the rotor blade struck the yacht's deck, potentially entangled with a tarpaulin, causing the aircraft to overturn and land upside down in the water. Among the three people on board, one sustained serious injuries, while two others, aged 53 and 62, suffered minor injuries. All individuals, including two British nationals, were promptly transported to Haukeland University Hospital for medical care. Blood samples were collected from the helicopter occupants as a standard investigative procedure, though authorities, represented by investigator Frode Karlsen, stressed there was no indication of substance abuse. Emergency response was swift; the lifeboat "Bjarne Kyrkjebø" arrived within just minutes, having been in the vicinity for a towing mission. Their quick action was instrumental in aiding the injured. Various other vessels, including two ferries and smaller boats, also joined the rescue efforts. The helicopter had departed Shetland prior to refueling at Flesland and was en route to the yacht, which had docked in Bergen since late April and was bought at auction for over $30 million in 2014. Investigators have begun preliminary witness interviews but caution that it is too early to establish the full sequence of events. The wreckage was secured and towed to Bontelabo at approximately 11 PM, subsequently transported for further analysis early the next morning. The helicopter suffered significant damage, particularly to its rotor and tail section, with broken windows also reported. The crew of 17 aboard the yacht, which had since moored at the Bradbenken Sailing Boat Pier, is also set to be interviewed by the Accident Commission. For comprehensive updates and visuals, refer to the following links: [BT.no](http://www.bt.no/nyheter/lokalt/Helikopter-styrtet-i-sjoen-i-Sandviken-334369b.html), [VG.no](http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/bergen/helikopter-krasjet-i-sjoeen-i-bergen/a/23995147/), and [ABC Nyheter](https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/norge/2017/05/11/195301762/briter-i-helikopterstyrten-i-bergen).