Low Altitude Operations, Whitesky Aviation (Bell 505 PK-WSP); Pecatu Selatan, Ungasan, KNKT.24.07.21.04

On 19 July 2024, a helicopter Bell 505 registration PK-WSP, operated by PT Whitesky Aviation, conducted a non-scheduled tourism sight seeing flight from Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) helipad. The flight was conducted under the Visual Flight Rule (VFR) and on board this flight were one pilot and four passengers.

At 1428 LT, the helicopter engine start was completed. And at 1443 LT, the helicopter conducted a broadcast message which was heard by the Ngurah Tower controller but the reply was not conducted by the helicopter.

The helicopter contacted with kite string and wrapped the main and tail rotor masts. The helicopter pilot unable to control the helicopter and decided to make emergency landing on an open area nearby.

The helicopter landed in between a man-made cliff near Uluwatu. The helicopter was substantially damaged and two of five occupants experienced serious injury.

Other than this accident, two occurrences of helicopter entangled by kite strings had occurred twice in July 2024. 

The KNKT acknowledged the safety actions had been taken by Aiport Authority Region IV (Bali Area) following the occurrence and considered relevant to improve safety.

The investigation is continuing, should any further relevant safety issues emerge during the course of the investigation, KNKT will immediately bring the issues to the attention of the relevant parties and publish as required.