Fatal Accident (2) – Eurocopter EC 130T2 (Airbus Helicopters H130), SE-JXX, Abisko National Park, Abisko, Northern Sámi – Sweden, March 20, 2025
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On March 20, 2025, a Eurocopter EC 130T2 (Airbus Helicopters H130), registered as SE-JXX and operated by Kallax Flyg AB, was involved in a ground accident triggered by an avalanche in Abisko National Park, Sweden. The aircraft was positioned on the ground as part of a heliskiing operation organized by Niehku Mountain Villa when it was swept away by a sudden avalanche. The incident occurred at approximately 15:50 local time and involved a group of seven individuals, including five Italian skiers and their certified IFMGA mountain guide. The group had been skiing in the Kårsavagge region near Abisko as part of a heliskiing expedition. When the avalanche occurred, the helicopter was standing idle while the skiers were outside preparing for their descent or regrouping. The helicopter was unoccupied at the moment of impact, though the pilot was reportedly nearby and managed to escape without injury. The avalanche struck with significant force, not only engulfing the helicopter but also sweeping away several individuals within the skiing group. Two members of the Italian group were initially reported missing following the avalanche. Mountain rescue services were rapidly deployed to the scene and were able to locate and extract the victims. Both individuals were recovered alive but unresponsive, and were transported by air to a hospital in Tromsø, Norway. Despite resuscitation efforts, medical personnel confirmed their deaths later that day. The deceased were identified as brothers from the Piemonte region of Italy, one in his early 50s and the other in his mid-40s. In addition to the two fatalities, a third member of the party—believed to be the mountain guide—was also caught in the avalanche but remained on the surface and survived. The remaining four individuals, including the helicopter pilot and three others, were unharmed. Initial reports stated that the group was composed of experienced participants under professional guidance. Weather conditions in the area had been reported as hazardous with a heightened avalanche risk level, which contributed directly to the incident. Swedish authorities have opened a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the avalanche and its consequences. The case is currently being handled as a legal matter involving potential charges of negligence resulting in death and bodily harm. An unnamed company has been identified in connection with the investigation, though no individuals have been detained. The investigation will likely consider the adequacy of avalanche risk assessments, the decision to operate in the affected area, and potential procedural lapses. The Eurocopter EC 130T2 involved in the incident is part of Kallax Flyg AB’s fleet, a company known for operating in challenging Nordic environments, including passenger charters and heli-ski operations. The full extent of the aircraft’s damage remains unconfirmed, though it was visibly displaced by the avalanche. The incident highlights the inherent risk of aviation-assisted extreme sports in alpine environments, especially under dynamic weather conditions and variable snowpack stability. |
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| Accident Information | ||||
| Approx. Avalanche Location | Aircraft Fatalities | Ground Fatalities | Injured | ASN |
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68°19’7.56″N 18°41’6.06″EW |
2 | 0 | 0 |
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| Aircraft Information | ||||
| Aircraft Type | Operator | Registration | Serial Number | Manufacture date |
| Eurocopter EC 130T2 (Airbus Helicopters H130) | Kallax Flyg AB | SE-JXX | 8596 | post-2012 |
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SVT Aviation24 | PlanePictures flickr |
