Description

On 29 November 2013, an Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) EC135 T2+ being operated for policing purposes by Bond Air Services from the Glasgow City Heliport at night in VMC crashed onto a bar in the city centre, partially demolishing it and resulting in the deaths of all three occupants and seven people who had been in or adjacent to the building. A total of 32 people on the ground were injured, 11 seriously. Although the helicopter was destroyed, the main fuel tank remained intact and there was no post crash fire. No indication of an abnormal or emergency situation on board was communicated prior to the accident.

Investigation

An Investigation was carried out by the UK AAIB. Special Bulletins S9/2013 and S2/2014 were published on 29 November 2013 and on 14 February 2014 respectively to advise on progress in the Investigation.

It was noted that the accident flight had taken place under a Police AOC and the accident flight had therefore been made using a 'State' aircraft. In respect of oversight by Safety Regulators, the effect of this was to make the operation subject to UK National rather than EASA Regulation. Operator Bond Air Services was noted to be a major provider of helicopters and pilots for both Police and Air Ambulance (HEMS) operational use in the UK, deploying a fleet of in excess of 26 aircraft including 23 EC135s. Two of these EC135s were based at the Glasgow City Heliport, one for Police Scotland (the accident aircraft) and the other for the Scottish Ambulance Service. The 51 year old pilot was found to have been an experienced ex-military helicopter pilot who had joined Bond Air Services and completed his EC135 type rating some five years earlier after leaving the Royal Air Force.