The Accident Investigations Bureau (AIB) has released its report on the August 6 helicopter crash, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
Expert in aircraft accident investigation and head of investigations at AIB, Captain Paul Forjoe presented the findings during an official presentation of the investigations at Jubilee House on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
According to the report, the helicopter suddenly lost height without any change in power or pitch attitude and impacted a ridgeline at 1,370 feet above sea level, approximately 6.5 miles from its destination at 09:58.
The investigation revealed that the helicopter was airworthy but lacked additional safety enhancements, specifically Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS) and Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS), which are crucial for safe flight operations in adverse weather conditions over challenging terrain.
The environment at the time of the crash was characterized by adverse weather, limited visibility, and rising terrain, with no ground-based navigational aid available en route.
Despite these challenging conditions, the emergency response was deemed timely.
Captain Forjoe emphasized the importance of these findings, stating that they will inform future safety recommendations to prevent similar incidents.
