1975_Kjalarnes_helicopter_crash
1975 Kjalarnes helicopter crash
Deadliest helicopter crash in Icelandic aviation history
The 1975 Kjalarnes helicopter crash occurred on 17 January 1975, when a Sikorsky S-55B helicopter crashed by the Hjarðarnes farm in Hvalfjörður, Iceland, while en route from Reykjavík Airport to Snæfellsnes.[1] Seven people were on board, including two crew members and five employees of RARIK, the Icelandic State Electricity company.[2] Everyone on board was killed on impact.[3] It remains the deadliest helicopter crash in Icelandic aviation history.[4]
The cause of the crash was ruled to be wind conditions at Hjarðarnes. The helicopter was also believed to have been overloaded but the investigative committee stated that the crash would have likely occurred even if it had been correctly loaded,[5] a ruling confirmed by the Supreme Court of Iceland in 1983.[6]