SUH-566 Aviation Accident 2025-05-09
Fatal Accident (6) - Sri Lanka Air Force, Bell 212, SUH-566, Maduru Oya Reservoir, Ampara, Sri Lanka, May 09, 2025.
Interactive Map
Accident Information
| Approx. Accident Location | Aircraft Fat. | Aircraft Inj. | Ground Fat. | Ground Inj. | ASN Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7°38'53.60"N, 81°12'14.71"E | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | Aviation Safety Network |
Aircraft Information
| Type | Operator | Registration | Serial Number | Manufacture Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bell 212 | Sri Lanka Air Force | BS001 | 31198 | unkn. |
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YouTube Accident Related Video(s)
ASX Accident Report
On the morning of May 9, 2025, a Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 212 helicopter, bearing registration SUH-566 and operated by No. 7 Squadron, departed Hingurakgoda Air Force Base at approximately 06:47 local time. The helicopter was assigned a military transport mission to shuttle personnel from the Maduru Oya area to the Special Forces Training School for a heli-rappelling demonstration as part of a passing out parade. Onboard were twelve military personnel—six from the Army and six from the Air Force, including the two pilots.
At approximately 08:17 local time, shortly after picking up Army Special Forces personnel near Maduru Oya, the helicopter encountered an unspecified technical issue during its en route phase. The flight crew initiated an emergency landing procedure, but the aircraft ultimately lost control and crashed into the Maduru Oya Reservoir, located in the Ampara District of Sri Lanka. Emergency response units from both the Army and Air Force immediately mobilized, rescuing all occupants from the water and transporting them to Aralaganwila Regional Hospital. Eight were later transferred to Polonnaruwa General Hospital for advanced treatment.
Despite initial rescue efforts, six of the twelve personnel succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash. The fatalities included four members of the Sri Lanka Army Special Forces and two Sri Lanka Air Force helicopter gunners. The surviving occupants, including the two pilots, sustained various injuries and were hospitalized for continued medical care. The Bell 212 helicopter was completely destroyed in the impact, and no external damage or collateral injuries were reported outside of the aircrew.
The exact cause of the incident remains under investigation. A nine-member inquiry board was appointed by the Commander of the Air Force to conduct a full technical and operational review. Preliminary assessments have not ruled out mechanical failure or potential procedural factors. The aircraft, originally bearing the serial number 31198, had a history of prior service under various designations including SUH-4105, CH566, and CH535. The investigation will examine all flight records, maintenance logs, and survivor testimony to determine the sequence of failures that led to the crash.
This page will be updated as more information becomes available.
Tracking and Social Media
- Flight Tracking: Flightradar24, FlightAware, ADS-B Exchange, AirNav Radar
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter)
Sources and References
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