Transport cables in the mountains, high-voltage lines, wires: such obstacles are a serious hazard for helicopters.
A helicopter is involved in flying materials from a mountain into a valley. When approaching the unloading site, the helicopter touches a cable and crashes.
There were two reports in 2024; the severity of the incidents was high. In one case, the helicopter was able to land safely without any damage to people or the helicopter. In the second case, the pilot was seriously injured. This accident is being investigated by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB). Such collisions can rapidly have serious consequences. In 2022, a pilot lost his life in an accident while another was severely injured in a separate event.
Collisions with cables or wires is unfortunately a recurring issue. The FOCA carried out a detailed risk assessment in 2023 to obtain an accurate overall view. It took into consideration all available information in carrying out its risk assessment: the reporting process, entering of cables in the air navigation obstacle database, standard operating procedures (SOP), database-based warning systems onboard aircraft, the Rope Tracker project to map cables accurately, cable marking, etc. The FOCA concluded that although the risk is currently acceptable, it will continue to monitor the issue.
Last modification 14.05.2025
