Preliminary report into helicopter crash near Bergen
- Safety Flash
- Published on 19 May 2016
- Generated on 23 June 2025
- IMCA SF 15/16
- 1 minute read
The Air Accident Investigation Board of Norway (AIBN) has published a preliminary report on the accident at Turøy, near Bergen, Norway on 29 April 2016.
What happened?
An Airbus H225 helicopter was en route from an offshore platform in the Norwegian sector to Bergen Airport Flesland. The helicopter was cruising at 600m when the Main Rotor Head (MRH) and mast suddenly detached. The helicopter impacted on a small island and caught fire. The main wreckage thereafter ended in the sea where it came to rest at a depth of 1-9 meters. 11 passengers and two crew perished in the accident.
The AIBN notes:
“The Preliminary report is published to disseminate information obtained during the earliest stages of the investigation. The intention is to give a brief update on the progress and findings two weeks into the investigation. The report is factual and contains neither conclusions nor safety recommendations”.
The helicopter accident preliminary report can be downloaded from the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority website.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.