AW139 Crashes In Almeria During SAR Training

Last Modified March 19, 2010 @ 2:00 pm

AW139 Crashes In Almeria During SAR Training

This may be the AW139 that crashed - source: anonymous tip

Around 8:30pm on Thursday ATC lost contact with an AW139 during ILS approach approximately 4nm off the coast. There were four people on board at the time when it apparently crashed into the sea. One survivor has been found so far and was taken to the hospital for treatment of hypothermia. This may have been the hoist operator. Information is scarce so far and I have to rely on translations from Spanish articles. The aircraft was reportedly involved in training operations with a boat in the area and was headed back to the airport when the accident happened. Several helicopters and boats have been searching the area for the rest of the crew but so far have only found bits of the aircraft and flares.

The search effort

I will update as I find out more information. If anyone has corrections or more to add please send to tips-at-vtolblog.com.

Update: A Navy ship using sonar may have located the wreckage at a depth of 85 meters. Technicians have also reportedly received the signal from the black box.

Update 2: The three remaining crew members were found in the submerged wreckage. Hopefully something will be learned from this accident that will help to save lives in the future. RIP

Update 3: ROV footage from the submersible is on youtube:

Thanks to Fróði for the tip!