On Wednesday morning March 16, 2022 shortly before 11:00 a.m. an accident occurred in the hilly area above Gordola/TI involving the AS 350B3e Ecureuil HB-ZTV helicopter in service with Heli-TV. Unfortunately the 49 year old pilot who was the only occupant on board died.
According to the first information gathered the helicopter was transporting building material for the restoration of the municipal aqueduct when the main rotor hit the lower cable of a high voltage power line. The helicopter then crashed into the forest in a steep and difficulty accessible area and caught fire.
According to the local news sites, several people witnessed the accident. The pilot-istructor had a considerable flight experience.
Police, Rega and firefighters immediately rushed on the scene of the accident. The Care Team was requested to provide psychological support.
In order to clarify the exact course of events and the cause of the accident, experts of the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB) have opened an inquiry.